Abeokuta, Ogun State — Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and a former senator representing Ogun Central, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.
It was gathered that Prof. Obasanjo completed her electronic registration into the ruling party on Tuesday at Ibogun, Ward 11, Ifo Local Government Area.
Confirming the development, a close ally of the former lawmaker, Mr. Biodun Ajayi, told Vanguard on Wednesday that the registration process was successfully concluded.
“I can confirm that Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo completed her online registration as a member of our great party, the APC, on Tuesday at Ibogun Ward 11 in Ifo Local Government,” Ajayi said.
Ajayi, a former Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government, currently serves as a Commissioner with the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
APC Reacts
When contacted, the Ogun State Director of Publicity of the APC, Mr. Femi Nuberu, declined to directly confirm or deny the development. However, he emphasized that the party’s ongoing membership registration exercise is open to all eligible Nigerians.
“The APC registration process is free, open and accessible to every Nigerian citizen aged 18 years and above, in line with our party’s constitution,” Nuberu stated.
He added that all registration activities are conducted at the ward level and authenticated by designated party officials, noting that the party was witnessing a massive influx of new members across the state.
According to him, the growing membership reflects public confidence in the APC-led administrations at both the federal and state levels.
‘It’s True’
A former member of the House of Representatives from the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also confirmed Prof. Obasanjo’s registration.
“Yes, it is true. She registered at Ibogun on Tuesday. I am aware of that,” the source said.
Political Implications
The development has surprised many political observers, who had speculated that the former senator might return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Towards the end of last year, campaign-style billboards bearing her image appeared across Abeokuta, fueling speculation about a possible return to active politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The billboards read: “In Ogun State, we know ourselves. Sen. (Prof.) Iyabo Obasanjo. Omo wa ni, eniyan wa ni, ara wa ni.”
Despite the speculation, Prof. Obasanjo has maintained that she is not actively seeking elective office.
“I am not keen on contesting for any political office in 2027. I live in the United States, I teach at the university, and I am fine,” she said in a recent interview with Remo TV.
She explained that the billboards were mounted by supporters in appreciation of her past service.
Background
Born on April 27, 1967, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo studied Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan. She served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health from 2003 to 2007 and later as Senator representing Ogun Central from 2007 to 2011.
She lost her re-election bid in 2011 and subsequently returned to the United States, where she is currently an Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Nonetheless, her entry into the APC has reignited discussions about a possible political comeback ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in Ogun Central.
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