Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello confirms APC membership, signals political comeback ahead of 2027

Former Ogun Central senator, Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, has confirmed her membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, marking her return to active politics after about 15 years.

Obasanjo-Bello, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, made the disclosure on Saturday during an interview with Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami on Eagle7 Sports Radio (103.7FM), monitored in Abeokuta.

Describing the APC as her “natural home”, the former senator said her decision to re-enter politics followed sustained pressure from supporters who have been urging her to return for over a year.

“A group of people I did not form have been working for almost two years, and about a year ago they began saying, ‘We want you back, we believe you are the best candidate,’” she said.

Obasanjo-Bello explained that a return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on whose platform she previously contested elections, was ruled out due to the party’s prolonged internal crises. She added that while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was also considered, she had reservations about the party’s readiness.

According to her, many of those encouraging her political comeback are members of the APC, a factor that weighed heavily in her decision after extensive consultations.

“I believe APC is my natural home. I have no animosity towards anyone in the party and I feel comfortable with the actors I know within it,” she said. “In fact, I feel more comfortable here than with some people I know in the PDP and the ADC. I am confident, happy and convinced I have made the right decision.”

Although the APC leadership in Ogun State has yet to issue an official statement, reports indicate that Obasanjo-Bello has already participated in the party’s ongoing e-registration exercise at Ibogun, Ward 11, Ifo Local Government Area, formally sealing her membership.

Her defection comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with growing speculation that she may seek the Ogun State governorship under the APC platform.

Obasanjo-Bello represented the Ogun Central Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011 and previously served as Commissioner for Health during the administration of former governor Gbenga Daniel. She lost her re-election bid in 2011 to Senator Gbenga Obadara of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

After the defeat, she returned to the United States to pursue an academic career, later attaining the rank of professor.