Iyabo Obasanjo has been unveiled as the PDP candidate for Ogun Central after a grand return to the party in Abeokuta, marking a major political shift ahead of the 2027 elections
In Abeokuta, Ogun State, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was formally welcomed back into the Peoples Democratic Party and unveiled as its candidate for the Ogun Central senatorial district ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Ogun State PDP Chairman Dr Abayomi Tella, supported by other party leaders and the PDP governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu, presented the party flag to the former senator during a well-attended, carnival-like reception at the party secretariat. The event was preceded by a lively procession through major streets in Abeokuta.
Dr Tella declared: “On behalf of our National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, and the entire National Working Committee of the PDP, I present to our revered sister, Prof Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, this flag as the authority of the party for her candidature for the Senate in Ogun Central.”
Senator Obasanjo-Bello took the party oath and pledged her loyalty. “I commit myself to the ideals of the PDP. I shall serve the people of Ogun State and Nigeria with integrity, humility and dedication, prioritising their welfare above personal and sectional interests,” she said.
The 59-year-old politician explained that she left the All Progressives Congress due to disrespect, betrayal and unfair treatment by the party leadership.
She noted that she had joined the APC because of the respect shown to her by President Bola Tinubu, but later felt sidelined despite her contributions.
“The APC treated me like a child, whereas I will be 60 years old by the grace of God next year,” she told the crowd.
This move represents a significant homecoming for Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, who previously served as Ogun Central senator from 2007 to 2011 and as Commissioner for Health in the state.
She had been largely away from active politics for over a decade before her recent return.
Ladi Adebutu, the PDP governorship candidate, used the occasion to promise transparent governance, full local government autonomy, and prudent management of public funds if elected.
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The colourful event has generated strong excitement within the PDP and added fresh momentum to the opposition’s preparations for the next electoral cycle in Ogun State.
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
