In a dramatic and highly-anticipated political development that has quickly dominated Nigeria’s news cycle, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has formally declared her intention to contest the 2027 Ogun State Governorship election under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made on Saturday, February 7, 2026, during a live radio broadcast on 103.7FM Eagle7 Sports, anchored by iconic Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami.
This bold move thrusts one of Nigeria’s most globally recognized political families into the center of the upcoming gubernatorial race in a state often viewed as a bellwether for political influence in the Southwest. Obasanjo’s resurgence into active politics — after roughly 15 years away from frontline elective office — signals a potentially transformative shift in the dynamics of Ogun State politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
A Political Comeback: From Academia to State Leadership Ambition
Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo is not new to public service or governance. Born on April 27, 1967, Obasanjo is a trained veterinarian and epidemiologist with an impressive academic background that includes degrees from the University of Ibadan, University of California, Davis, and Cornell University in the United States.
Her political career began in earnest in the early 2000s when she served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health. She transitioned to the federal legislative arena in 2007, winning election as Senator for Ogun Central, a seat she held until 2011. After losing her re-election bid, she relocated to the United States to pursue academic and research interests, rising to the rank of professor.
Her return to the political fray marks the end of a prolonged period of absence and the beginning of a campaign poised to shake up the political landscape in the Gateway State.
Official Declaration: A Strategic Timing and Platform
Obasanjo’s declaration was made during the weekend broadcast, framed not as a hesitant return but as a well-considered response to sustained encouragement from supporters who, according to her, believe she is the best candidate to lead Ogun State. She emphasized that it was persistent calls from her grassroots supporters, rather than personal ambition alone, that ultimately persuaded her to throw her hat into the ring.
In the interview, she made clear that her sole political objective is the governorship seat and that she has no intention of returning to the Senate or occupying any other political office, including a commissioner position. “The only thing I’ll come back to do is the governorship,” she said, signaling her seriousness and focused commitment to the race.
She added:
> “So moving ahead, I’m not going to be Commissioner. Like I said, I’m not going back to the Senate … 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.”
Joining APC: “My Natural Home”
One of the most striking elements of Obasanjo’s announcement was her confirmation that she has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) — Nigeria’s ruling party — and described it as her “natural home.”
Her political career began under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party under which she last contested elective office. However, Obasanjo explained that the PDP’s internal crises and factional struggles ruled out any possibility of a return to that platform. Instead, she said she chose the APC after extensive consultations with supporters and political stakeholders whose own affiliations had gravitated toward the ruling party.
In her own words:
> “I feel comfortable with all the actors I know within the APC … I feel more comfortable, actually, than with some of the actors I know in the PDP, and some of them are now in the ADC. So I think it’s my natural home. I feel quite confident and happy to have made that decision.”
This declaration not only cements her political alignment but also signals a potential realignment of political forces in Ogun State as the 2027 election season progresses.
What This Means for the 2027 Governorship Landscape
Obasanjo’s entry into the race immediately recalibrates predictions for the upcoming contest. Ogun State has historically been politically competitive, with key interests often split between different power blocs and party structures. The entry of a high-profile contender with national recognition and name resonance creates both opportunities and challenges for aspirants across party lines.
Political analysts are already projecting that her candidacy could consolidate certain voter bases, particularly those who view her as a figure capable of bridging grassroots support with established political structures. Her endorsement by grassroots groups, coupled with her personal story of service and academic achievement, adds depth to her campaign narrative.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the relative advantage of name recognition, Obasanjo faces significant challenges:
1. Party Dynamics
While she has joined APC, the party itself contains competing interests and factions within Ogun State. The process of winning the APC nomination could be as competitive as the general election itself, with several political hopefuls already positioning themselves as frontrunners.
2. Public Perception
Being the daughter of a former president carries both influence and scrutiny. Public discourse reflects ambivalence among voters, with some celebrating her experience and others questioning whether political dynasties reinforce elite politics. Crafting a campaign message that resonates with a broad cross-section of voters will be essential.
3. Electoral Competition
The 2027 election is likely to attract formidable candidates from opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and possibly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which had earlier courted her political leadership. Her decision to decline return to the PDP leaves room for speculation about how other parties may strategically position themselves.
Why This Matters Nationally
Obasanjo’s governorship bid is significant not only for Ogun State but also within the broader context of Nigerian politics. As the daughter of a former president, her political choices and strategies will be closely watched, and her performance could influence perceptions of party unity, gender representation, and leadership succession in Nigeria’s political ecosystem.
Ogun State, known as the Gateway State because of its historical role in Nigeria’s cultural, economic, and political connectivity, often serves as a bellwether for Southwest political trends. As such, the 2027 governorship race may offer early insights into national mood ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Looking Forward
As Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo officially moves into the campaign phase, the coming months will be critical in shaping her political brand, defining her policy priorities, and determining how she positions herself against both party rivals and opposition contenders.
Issues such as economic development, healthcare improvement, education, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance are all expected to dominate the conversations as the election race intensifies. Ogun State voters will be watching closely to see how each aspirant plans to address these pressing concerns.
Whether her candidacy ultimately results in a governorship victory, one thing is certain: Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo’s return to politics has added a compelling new chapter to Ogun State’s political narrative — one that will be studied, debated, and followed closely by citizens, political analysts, and stakeholders across Nigeria and beyond.
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