Ogun guber race heats up as Iyabo Obasanjo slams Yayi’s ambition

Iyabo Obasanjo, the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has advised Senator Solomon Adeola, also known as Yayi, not to act like an opportunist in his ambition to become governor of Ogun State in 2027.

Iyabo said it would not be right for someone who has been active in politics in another state to come to Ogun State just to contest for governor. She believes such a move is not fair to politicians in Ogun West who have been working in the state for years.

She spoke on Wednesday during a live programme titled “Political Hurdles Facing Nigerian Women, 2027 and Beyond” on Frontline, Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese Ijebu.

The former senator for Ogun Central said that although there is no official law about zoning or rotation of political offices in Nigeria, she is concerned that Ogun West has never produced a governor. She promised that after her own time as governor, she would support the emergence of a governor from Ogun West.

Iyabo has already declared her intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.

She explained that it is not the best option for someone to enter a state just to grab the governorship position. According to her, if politicians start moving from one state to another simply because they believe they can win there, it could damage the political system.

She added that leaders should grow within the political system where they started and build trust with the people. She praised the current governor for being someone who has always been part of the state’s political structure.

Speaking about the issue of Ogun West not having a governor, Iyabo said Ogun Central should not be blamed. She pointed out that Ogun Central has produced two governors, while Ogun East has produced three. She recalled supporting the late General Olurin when he ran for governor under the PDP, even though he did not win.

Iyabo said she understands the concerns of Ogun West and is ready to ensure that the next governor after her comes from the zone. She confidently stated that she believes she will win the election.

She also said she is not afraid of other candidates and believes she has the ability and experience to lead the state. According to her, she wants to fix gaps in governance and improve the lives of the people of Ogun State.

Iyabo recently returned to active politics after about 15 years. She joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and announced her plan to run for governor in 2027.

She previously represented Ogun Central Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011 but lost her re-election bid in 2011.