Iyabo Obasanjo’s Political Gamble and Ogun Chessboard

When Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, dramatically threw her hat into the ring for the 2027 Ogun State governorship race under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), it came with all the trappings of political theatre—grand publicity, calculated optics and a wave of media attention that suggested she was ready for a major political battle.

Yet, behind the scenes, political gladiators and seasoned observers of Ogun’s notoriously intricate power play appeared less convinced. Many quietly dismissed the ambition as a lofty aspiration lacking the political machinery required to survive the rough terrain of Ogun politics, likening it to building a castle in the air.

The political equation, however, changed almost overnight when Senator Olamilekan Adeola, fondly called Yayi, emerged as the consensus candidate of the APC for the coveted governorship seat. Sources within the ruling party disclosed that the move followed strategic consultations and directives aimed at preserving internal cohesion ahead of the fiercely anticipated contest.

At the time, Senator Obasanjo was said to have embraced the development with political maturity, publicly congratulating Adeola on his emergence and appearing, at least outwardly, aligned with the party’s direction.

But in a twist that has since stirred fresh intrigue across Ogun’s political corridors, the former lawmaker and ex-commissioner recently severed ties with the APC, citing alleged abandonment and marginalisation of both herself and her supporters. Her resignation came with a barrage of allegations against the party, igniting speculations over deeper cracks within the APC structure.

Society Watch gathered that her departure may have been driven by calculations more strategic than emotional. Insiders whispered that Senator Obasanjo had allegedly hoped to negotiate for the deputy governorship slot within the APC arrangement but found the doors firmly shut.

Now, political whispers suggest she has quietly retraced her steps to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where sources hinted that governorship hopeful Ladi Adebutu may have offered her what the APC seemingly would not – the deputy governorship ticket.