Lagos, Nigeria – Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and a prominent aspirant for the Ogun State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has formally briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on her intention to contest the state’s top job in the 2027 election.
The high-level discussion took place during a private meeting at the President’s residence in Lagos on Monday. Sources close to the meeting described the engagement as cordial, strategic, and forward-looking, with Senator Obasanjo presenting a detailed outline of her vision for Ogun State if given the opportunity to lead.
According to insiders, the conversation centred on her governorship ambition, key priority areas including infrastructure development, industrialisation, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. She also used the opportunity to reflect on her long-standing political relationship with President Tinubu, which she said has been built on mutual respect, shared values, and years of political collaboration.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo said: “On Monday in Lagos, I had the privilege of meeting His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our conversation was insightful and forward-looking, focusing on leadership, governance and the ongoing development of our nation and Ogun State.”
The meeting is being viewed by political observers as a significant step in Senator Obasanjo’s preparation for the Ogun State governorship race. As the daughter of one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Iyabo brings considerable political pedigree, name recognition, and experience to the contest. She previously served as a senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District and has remained active in national and state politics.
During the engagement, Senator Obasanjo reaffirmed her unwavering loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and pledged to mobilise substantial support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. This assurance is considered critical at a time when the ruling party is navigating internal leadership crises and facing a consolidating opposition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition that includes Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, and others.
Ogun State, a key industrial and economic hub in Southwest Nigeria, is expected to witness a highly competitive governorship race in 2027. Incumbent Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, also of the APC, is serving his second term and is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election. The state has become a major theatre of political calculations, with several heavyweight aspirants already positioning themselves. Senator Iyabo Obasanjo’s entry would add a formidable dimension to the race, given her deep roots in the state and strong connections within the APC structure both locally and nationally.
Political analysts believe the meeting with President Tinubu serves multiple purposes. Beyond seeking blessings for her ambition, it signals alignment with the national leadership of the party and ensures that her gubernatorial bid does not conflict with broader APC strategies in the Southwest. Ogun State remains strategically important to the APC, having delivered strong support for the party in previous elections.
“Senator Iyabo Obasanjo’s consultation with President Tinubu is a masterstroke,” said Dr. Adebayo Oladele, a political analyst based in Abeokuta. “It demonstrates political maturity and an understanding that in Nigerian politics, especially within the APC, national leadership buy-in is often crucial for state-level ambitions. Her experience as a senator and her family name give her a unique advantage.”
The former senator has been quietly building structures across Ogun State in recent months. She has engaged with party leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and women organisations, emphasising her commitment to continuity and accelerated development. Her vision, sources say, focuses on transforming Ogun into a more industrialised, secure, and prosperous state while addressing pressing issues such as youth unemployment and rural infrastructure deficits.
The Obasanjo political dynasty continues to command significant respect in Southwest politics. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, though retired from active politics, remains a vocal elder statesman whose influence often shapes political outcomes. Iyabo’s decision to run is seen by many as a continuation of that legacy, albeit through a different generation.
However, she is expected to face stiff competition within the APC. Other notable aspirants rumoured to be interested in the Ogun governorship include current and former commissioners, federal lawmakers, and party chieftains with strong grassroots followings. The eventual emergence of a candidate will likely depend on party primaries, zoning arrangements, and the preference of the national leadership.
Senator Obasanjo’s pledge to mobilise for President Tinubu’s second term is particularly noteworthy. The ruling APC has been battling internal divisions, most recently the leadership crisis between factions loyal to National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and challenger Alhaja Hafsatu Danladi. A strong showing in Ogun State during the 2027 elections would be crucial for the party’s overall performance in the Southwest.
As the political climate heats up nationwide — with massive protests by the ADC coalition against INEC and growing calls for opposition unity — Senator Obasanjo’s meeting with President Tinubu is being interpreted as part of wider realignments within the APC to consolidate its base ahead of the polls.
Supporters of the senator have welcomed the development, describing it as a positive step towards better governance in Ogun State. “Iyabo Obasanjo represents competence, integrity, and fresh ideas,” said a leader of one of her support groups in Abeokuta. “She has the capacity to take Ogun to greater heights.”
With the 2027 elections still over a year away, political activities are already intensifying across Nigeria. Senator Iyabo Obasanjo’s formal consultation with President Tinubu has added another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama, particularly in Ogun State, where the battle for succession promises to be intense and closely watched.
Observers expect more aspirants to intensify consultations in the coming weeks. For now, all eyes remain on how the APC will manage its internal processes in Ogun State and whether Senator Obasanjo’s ambition will receive the necessary backing to make her dream of governing the Gateway State a reality.
