“Iyabo Obasanjo Joins APC Completes Membership Registration in Ogun State”

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Fresh political developments have emerged in Ogun State following reports that Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sources within the party disclosed that the former senator recently completed the party’s registration process in Ibogun Ward 11, located in Ifo Local Government Area. The step is seen by many observers as a possible indication that the former lawmaker may be preparing for a renewed role in Nigeria’s political space.

Party Insider Confirms Registration

A close political associate of the Obasanjo family, Hon. Biodun Ajayi, who previously served as chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government, confirmed the development while speaking to journalists.

According to him, the registration was successfully carried out on Tuesday through the party’s online membership platform, officially enrolling the former senator into the ruling party.

Ajayi described the move as a welcome addition to the party, expressing optimism about the influence and experience she could bring to APC’s political structure in Ogun State.

Additional Sources Support the Claim

Another political figure from the area, who once served in the House of Representatives, also confirmed that the registration took place. The former legislator, however, requested anonymity when discussing the matter publicly.

While multiple insiders have acknowledged the development, the APC Directorate of Publicity maintained a cautious stance.

The party’s publicity director, Femi Nuberu, declined to either confirm or deny the report. Instead, he emphasized that the party’s membership exercise currently underway across the country welcomes all Nigerians who meet the eligibility requirement of being at least 18 years old.

APC Membership Drive Ahead of 2027

Political analysts believe that the reported registration comes at a time when the APC is intensifying efforts to expand its membership base in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

The party has launched an ongoing registration exercise aimed at attracting new members and strengthening its grassroots structures nationwide.

If the report about Iyabo Obasanjo’s membership is officially confirmed, it could represent a notable political gain for the party in Ogun State.

Academic and Political Background

Beyond her political heritage, Iyabo Obasanjo has built a career in academia and public service.

Her profile includes several notable roles, such as:

Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Maryland, Baltimore
Commissioner for Health in Ogun State (2003–2007)
Senator representing Ogun Central (2007–2011)

These experiences have kept her name prominent in both academic and political circles.

Billboard Campaign Sparked Political Speculation

Interest in her potential political return intensified late last year after campaign-style billboards bearing her name appeared across parts of Abeokuta.

The posters carried a message written in Yoruba that emphasized local pride and familiarity, loosely translating to the idea that she remains “one of our own.”

Their sudden appearance triggered speculation that the former senator might be preparing for a return to active politics in Ogun State.

Response to the Billboard Campaign

When asked about the billboards during a public event, Iyabo Obasanjo explained that they were not initiated by her personally.

She said supporters who had worked with her in the past were responsible for the initiative. According to her account, they launched the campaign independently to show their continued admiration for her leadership.

Initially, she attempted to discourage the effort, noting that she currently lives and works in the United States where she teaches at a university.

However, she eventually allowed the billboards to remain after persistent encouragement from the supporters who organised them.

Supporters Continue to Encourage Political Return

During the same remarks, the former senator reflected on why some people continue to call for her return to politics.

She suggested that public goodwill often follows individuals who have previously performed well in public office.

Nevertheless, she maintained that any future political decision would not be determined solely by personal ambition but also by the wishes of her supporters and what she believes aligns with divine guidance.

Commentary and Analysis

Iyabo Obasanjo’s reported membership in the APC carries symbolic and strategic implications within Ogun State politics. As the daughter of a former president who remains influential in national discourse, her political movements naturally attract attention.

Although she has spent significant time outside Nigeria in academic pursuits, the renewed visibility of her name through billboards and party membership speculation suggests that political stakeholders may still see her as a relevant figure in the state’s political landscape.

If she eventually chooses to re-enter active politics, it could reshape alliances within Ogun State and influence preparations for future elections.

For the APC, attracting prominent figures with political experience and name recognition could strengthen the party’s grassroots appeal ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Whether this development marks the beginning of a full political comeback or simply reflects renewed interest from supporters remains to be seen.