Supporters urging me to return to politics – Iyabo Obasanjo

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello. | Credit: Ogun Update

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Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, first daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has confirmed knowledge of the political billboards bearing her image and springing up across Abeokuta ahead of the 2027 elections were erected by her supporters.

Obasanjo-Bello, now an Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, United States, said that although she is “not keen on contesting for any political office in 2027,” her political future ultimately rests in the hands of God and her supporters.

The former Commissioner for Health and one-time senator for Ogun Central (2007–2011) stated this in Sagamu during an interview with Remo TV at the 70th birthday celebration of a former National President of the National Council of Women Societies, Chief Mrs Gloria Shoda.

Recently, large billboards featuring the former senator have appeared in major parts of Abeokuta, including Abiola Way near the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Oke Mosan opposite the Immigration office, and Brewery Junction.

The billboards carry the bold message: “In Ogun State, we know ourselves. Sen (Prof) Iyabo Obasanjo. Omo wa ni, eniyan wa ni, ara wa ni.

But speaking in the interview with Remo TV, which went viral on the social media,  Obasanjo-Bello clarified that she is not actively seeking a political comeback.

“There are some people who have worked with me in the past. They came together and said, ‘This is who we like.’ I told them to stop it—that I am living a good life. I live in the US, I teach at the university, and I am fine.”

But she said her supporters persuaded her to let them proceed.

“People told me to let them be, after all, they are not asking me for money. They said it was a sign of love and that I did well while in politics. They said stopping them would dampen their enthusiasm. So I have allowed them. Nobody can say I am actively campaigning for anything, but I have given these people the go-ahead.”

She added that the renewed calls for her return to politics underscores that leaders should always act with integrity.

“If you do good, people will come back and we still want you for something. Whether what they want now becomes reality is not in my hands but in their hands and God’s hand.

“I don’t know if I am interested in politics again. I have built a very good life for myself. I love teaching; I love encouraging my students. I love to guide people and provide mentorship. There are several people in Ogun State that I have helped to become who they are today.

Meanwhile,  Obasanjo-Bello said she was in Sagamu to honour Mrs Shoda, whom she praised as “an epitome of womaness…a formidable woman who has led at various times.”

She also spoke about her longstanding link to Remo land, noting: “My grandmother, Alice Akinlawon née Ogunlaja, is from Ode Remo. Our family house is still there. I am the Iyalode of Ode Remo, a title bestowed on me by the late Alaye of Ode Remo, Oba Funso Adeolu, popularly known as Eleyinmi.”

Born on April 27, 1967,  Obasanjo-Bello trained as a veterinary doctor at the University of Ibadan before becoming Commissioner for Health between 2003 and 2007, and later senator between 2007 and 2011.

She lost her 2011 re-election bid to Gbenga Obadara of the Action Congress of Nigeria and subsequently returned to the United States.

Her campaign billboards  have sparked speculation that she may contest again in 2027, possibly on the platform of the African Democratic Congress.

A prominent politician in the state, who preferred anonymity, told our correspondent:

“The former senator is yet to declare her next political move, but many believe she might be eyeing the Ogun Central senatorial seat again, and the likely party is ADC. Remember that former President Obasanjo gave tactical support to ADC in 2019.”

Last month,  Ogun ADC Chairman, Otunba Femi Soluade, told our correspondent that the party was open to receiving her.

He said, “We have also heard the possibility of Senator Iyabo Obasanjo joining us, but she has not contacted the party. We are eagerly waiting for her. Once she reaches out, we will hold discussions.”

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