to PDP, Secures Ogun Central Senate Ticket — Iyabo Obasanjo Makes Grand Return

In a significant move, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has officially rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) last week. The PDP, in a well-attended event at its secretariat in Abeokuta, welcomed Obasanjo back to the fold and presented her with the party's flag, symbolizing her candidacy for the Ogun Central senatorial seat in the 2027 elections. The state chairman of the PDP, Dr. Abayomi Tella, flanked by other party leaders and the governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, played host to Obasanjo, who was accompanied by her supporters and PDP members from Ogun Central and other parts of the state. The event began with a procession through major streets in Abeokuta, showcasing the party's strength and unity. Tella, speaking on behalf of the PDP's National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, and the entire National Working Committee, presented Obasanjo with the party's flag, saying, '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.' Obasanjo, taking the party's oath, 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. The former commissioner expressed her disappointment with the APC, citing disrespect, betrayal, and unfair treatment by the party leadership as the reasons for her exit. Obasanjo, who will be 60 next year, felt belittled by the APC, which she claimed treated her like a child. She explained that she initially joined the APC due to the respect and honour accorded to her by President Bola Tinubu. However, her experience in the party was marked by disregard and mistreatment, prompting her to return to the PDP. The party's governorship candidate, Adebutu, addressing the crowd, promised to ensure the viability of local government areas by implementing local government autonomy if elected governor. He also vowed to manage public funds with prudence and transparency. 'Our parents have taught us well, and I want to assure you that we won’t steal public funds. There shall be local government autonomy. The local government will receive their funds and deploy it to develop the grassroots. 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. Obasanjo's return to the PDP marks a significant development in the state's political landscape, with the former senator poised to make a strong bid for the Ogun Central senatorial seat in the 2027 elections.