ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State on Wednesday welcomed former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo formally into its ranks and immediately presented her with the party’s flag as its senatorial candidate for Ogun Central ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The move is being seen as a significant boost for the PDP in Ogun State, particularly within Ogun Central Senatorial District, where political observers believe Obasanjo’s experience, grassroots appeal and longstanding relationship with constituents could strengthen the party’s electoral fortunes.
Presenting the party’s flag to the former senator, Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, described her as a valuable addition to the party and expressed optimism that her candidacy would further energise support for the PDP across the state.
Speaking shortly after her formal reception, Obasanjo explained the reasons behind her decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that her political choices have always been guided by fairness, respect and a commitment to public service.
She revealed that upon returning to active politics, she initially joined the APC because of the respect and recognition she received from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“When I returned to active politics, I chose to join the APC because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu treated me with great respect and dignity. He regarded me like his own daughter, gave me my rightful place, and accorded me the recognition I deserved. It was never about money; it was about respect,” she said.
According to her, honour and prestige occupy a special place in Yoruba culture.
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“In Yorubaland, prestige and honour are often valued more than money. When you give me prestige and recognition, you earn my loyalty and respect in return,” she stated.
Obasanjo maintained that she was not persuaded to re-enter politics by any political figure, noting that it was the people of Ogun State who urged her to return and contribute to the state’s development.
“Nobody persuaded or begged me to join the APC. It was my people who called me back into politics. They told me that Ogun State was no longer the same as the one I left and urged me to return and contribute once again to its development.
“I answered that call because the people still remembered the good work I did as a Senator and as a Commissioner in Ogun State. Their support and confidence inspired my return,” she said.
The former lawmaker, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the process that produced the APC’s consensus governorship candidate, alleging that it failed to comply with the spirit of consultation outlined in the party’s constitution.
“When I joined the APC, I committed myself fully to the party. I made it clear from the beginning that if the party adopted a consensus arrangement, I would respect and accept the outcome.
“As part of the consultation process, we toured Ogun West and Ogun East and were preparing to move to Ogun Central before a meeting was suddenly called by the party leadership.
“According to the APC Constitution, for a consensus candidate to emerge, all aspirants are expected to engage in discussions and consultations before any decision is announced. However, when we arrived at the meeting, a consensus candidate had already been announced,” she said.
Obasanjo further alleged that aspirants from Ogun Central and Ogun East were excluded from key consultations leading to the emergence of the candidate.
“We were informed that two aspirants from Ogun West had been persuaded to step down in support of the consensus candidate. At that point, I realized that something was wrong.
“Ogun West alone cannot determine who becomes Governor of Ogun State. If consultations and negotiations were only held with aspirants from Ogun West while aspirants from Ogun Central and Ogun East were excluded, then the process could not be described as a genuine consensus,” she stated.
She also argued that Ogun Central had been unfairly sidelined in the distribution of major political positions within the state.
“It is important to note that both myself and the PDP deputy governorship candidate are from Ogun Central. Yet, when the major political positions were shared among the four divisions of the state, Ogun Central was completely left out.
“That raises serious questions about fairness, equity and inclusiveness in the political process,” she added.
Reflecting on her political journey and family heritage, Obasanjo highlighted the longstanding tradition of public service associated with both her family and that of the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu.
“Both Hon. Ladi Adebutu and I come from respected families with a long history of service to the people. Our fathers dedicated their lives to empowering others, creating opportunities and supporting countless individuals across Ogun State.
“The number of people whose lives have been positively impacted by their generosity and commitment to humanity is immeasurable,” she said.
The former senator expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge victorious at the polls, insisting that the people’s mandate would ultimately prevail.
“I remain convinced that the mandate of the people cannot be permanently denied. I believe that, by the grace of God and with the support of the good people of Ogun State, I will reclaim my mandate and continue the service I have always been passionate about.
“What gives me confidence is the extraordinary love and acceptance I continue to receive from the people. I stayed away from active politics for over twenty years, yet the people never forgot me. They continued to remember my service, call my name and encourage me to return,” Obasanjo said.