PDP receives IYABO OBASANJO after APC exit, hands her Ogun senatorial ticket

Thursday, June 18, 2026 - The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, on Wednesday officially received former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, following her exit from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Recall that Iyabo, daughter of former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, represented Ogun Central in the Senate between 2007 and 2011.

She lost her re-election bid in 2011 and left the country to pursue a career in academics in the United States of America.

In January this year, Senator Obasanjo returned to active politics after 15 years and joined the ruling APC, where she declared her ambition to run for governor.

However, on the 31st of May, the former senator resigned from APC after losing the governorship ticket, citing disrespect, betrayal, and unfair treatment by the APC leadership.

DAILY POST reports that she was officially received into the PDP fold at a massive rally held at the party secretariat in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

The State Chairman of the PDP, Dr Abayomi Tella, presented the PDP flag to Senator Obasanjo, welcoming her back to the party and announcing her as the PDP candidate for Ogun Central in the next election.

“On behalf of our National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, and the entire National Working Committee of the PDP, I, Abayomi Tella, PhD, the State Chairman of the PDP, and on behalf of PDP Ogun Central, present to our revered sister, Prof. Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, this flag as the authority of the party for her candidature for the Senate in Ogun Central,” Tella said.

Taking the party’s oath, Senator Obasanjo pledged her loyalty and allegiance to the PDP, its constitution, manifesto, and code of conduct.

“I commit myself to the ideals of the PDP. I shall serve the people of Ogun State and Nigeria with integrity, humility, and dedication, prioritising their welfare above personal and sectional interests,” she declared.

She declared that she remains the candidate to beat in the next election, saying she remains the best senator to have represented Ogun Central.

On his part, Adebutu vowed that, if elected governor, his administration would ensure the viability of local government areas by implementing local government autonomy.

He also promised to be prudent and transparent in the management of public funds.

“I, Oladipupo, son of Adebutu, won’t steal your money. Local governments will get their funds accordingly, and we shall be transparent in all our dealings,” he said.