● Former senator rejoins PDP 15 years after exit, receives party flag from state chairman Abayomi Tella
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State on Wednesday officially received former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo back into its fold and handed her the senatorial ticket for Ogun Central ahead of the 2027 elections.
Senator Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented Ogun Central in the Senate from 2007 to 2011. She lost her re-election bid in 2011 and relocated to the United States to pursue an academic career.
—Return to politics and party switch—
After 15 years away from active politics, Obasanjo returned in January 2026 and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, where she declared her ambition to contest for governor.
On May 31, she resigned from the APC following her loss of the governorship ticket and returned to the PDP, the party under which she first entered the Senate.
Her formal reception took place at a rally at the PDP secretariat in Abeokuta. She was led through major streets in the capital city in a procession alongside the party’s governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, supporters, and PDP members from Ogun Central and other parts of the state.
–Party flag and pledge–
Ogun PDP Chairman, Dr Abayomi Tella, presented the party flag to Obasanjo and announced her as the candidate for Ogun Central.
“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 loyalty to the PDP 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.
—Reason for exit from APC—
Obasanjo said she left the APC due to “disrespect, betrayal, and unfair treatment by the APC leadership,” adding that the actions were driven by individuals she had “helped and clothed” politically.
She described herself as the candidate to beat in the next election and maintained that she remains the best senator to have represented Ogun Central.
—Adebutu promises LG autonomy, transparency—
Also speaking at the event, PDP governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu vowed that his administration would ensure local government autonomy and prudent management of public funds.
“Our parents have taught us well, and I want to assure you that we won’t steal 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,” Adebutu said.
Ogun Central covers Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ewekoro, Ifo, Obafemi Owode and Odeda local government areas. The 2027 senatorial election is scheduled for February.
