2027 Race Heats Up: Iyabo Obasanjo Declares for Ogun Governorship.

ABEOKUTA, June 16, 2026 – Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Monday formally declared her intention to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election, promising to prioritize security, education, and youth employment.

Speaking at a packed town hall meeting in Abeokuta, the former senator for Ogun Central said Nigeria’s current economic hardship and insecurity demand “experienced, compassionate leadership that understands both Abuja politics and Ogun grassroots realities.”

“Ogun Cannot Afford Another Trial-and-Error Governor”

Obasanjo-Bello, who served in the Senate from 2007 to 2011, said Ogun’s debt profile, out-of-school children crisis, and rising kidnapping cases require urgent action. She pointed to the June 12 protests in Osogbo where civil society groups decried mass abductions of schoolchildren. 

“If we already have 19 million children out of school and those in school are being kidnapped, what is now the future of education in Nigeria?” she quoted activist Kola Ibrahim, adding: “That question haunts me as a mother and as an Ogun indigene.”

Her 5-Point Agenda:

1. *State Police*: Support the bill passed by Reps last week, vowing Ogun will be among first states to implement if she wins.

2. *Agro-Industrial Zones*: Revive Ogun’s cocoa, cassava, and poultry value chains to create 200,000 jobs in 4 years.  

3. *Free Primary Healthcare*: For children under 5 and pregnant women, funded by blocking “leakages” in state IGR.  

4. *Tech Hubs*: Partner with Covenant University and FUNAAB to build 3 innovation hubs for youth.  

5. *Anti-Kidnapping Task Force*: Local vigilantes + state police + federal support to secure border communities.

Political Earthquake in Ogun PDP

Her declaration shakes up Ogun PDP, already fractured by the national crisis. A faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike controls the state exco, while another group backs former VP Atiku Abubakar. 

Analysts say Iyabo’s entry “loosens Wike’s grip” similar to how Goodluck Jonathan’s May 30 return weakened Wike’s hold on PDP nationally. Jonathan emerged as presidential candidate of a PDP faction despite legal threats from Wike’s camp. 

“She brings name recognition, Senate experience, and her father’s political network,” said Dr. Dele Sobowale, Vanguard columnist. “In Nigeria’s political wonderland, former adversaries embrace quickly. Don’t be shocked if Wike’s people negotiate with her.”

Obstacles Ahead

1. *Zoning*: Ogun West argues it’s their turn after 8 years of Gov Dapo Abiodun from Ogun East. Iyabo is from Ogun Central.  

2. *APC Dominance*: APC has governed Ogun since 2011. Abiodun’s successor is unknown but will have state machinery.  

3. *Atiku vs Jonathan*: If ADC is deregistered and Jonathan runs under PDP, Iyabo’s loyalty could be tested. She served as commissioner under PDP but has been quiet since 2015.  

Why Now?

Sources say Iyabo waited for the State Police Bill to pass before declaring, since security is her core message. The bill cleared Reps June 15 and Senate is expected to adopt it today. She also timed it after Democracy Day protests to tap into public frustration over insecurity.

Iyabo begins statewide consultations next week. PDP primaries are slated for late 2026. Her biggest test: uniting Ogun PDP and convincing voters she’s not just “OBJ’s daughter” but a leader in her own right.

_“I am not running because of my name. I am running because of your pain,”_ she told supporters. _“Ogun deserves better than speeches. We need action.”