By Kolaeole Olayinka, Abeokuta
Former Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Iyabo Obasanjo Bello, has formally declared her intention to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), setting the stage for a keenly contested primary within the party.
Obasanjo Bello, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, made her declaration on Saturday during an interview with Nigerian football legend, Segun Odegbami, on Eagle7 Sports Radio 103.7FM. Her announcement followed her participation in the ongoing APC e-registration exercise at Ibogun, Ward 11, in Ifo Local Government Area, where she officially confirmed her membership of the party.
A native of Owu, Abeokuta, Iyabo Obasanjo Bello represented Ogun Central in the Senate between 2007 and 2011. She lost her re-election bid in 2011 to Senator Gbenga Obadara of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), after which she returned to the United States to pursue her academic career. She later rose to the rank of professor and is a renowned epidemiologist. She has also served as Commissioner for Health in Ogun State.
Speaking during the radio programme, the former senator made it clear that her political ambition is firmly focused on the governorship, ruling out any intention to return to the Senate or accept an appointive position.
“I’m not going to be commissioner, and I’m not going back to the Senate,” she said. “The only thing I’ll come back to do is the governorship. And we have started that journey. We are going to see it through, and we are very serious and dedicated to it.”
Obasanjo Bello also confirmed that she is prepared to face all aspirants within the APC for the party’s governorship ticket, including Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, who represents Ogun West in the National Assembly and is widely regarded as a leading contender, although he is yet to formally declare his ambition.
Responding to a question from a caller during the programme, she stated unequivocally that she would contest the APC primary if Adeola joins the race.
“Definitely. That’s a definite yes. There is no two ways about it,” she said. “I’m in APC, he is in APC. So if he is going to contest the governorship, then I’m going to contest the governorship primary in APC with him.”
Her declaration is expected to significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, as she joins a growing list of prominent figures believed to be positioning for the Ogun governorship race within the APC, including other notable party stalwarts.
With her political pedigree, administrative experience, and academic credentials, Iyabo Obasanjo Bello’s entry adds momentum to what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive governorship contests in Ogun State in recent years.
