Mrs Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has announced her ambition to become the first woman to be elected governor of Ogun State.
Speaking to journalists at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja on Monday, Obasanjo-Bello said her visit to meet the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, was aimed at understanding the party leadership and processes.
The former Ogun State Commissioner for Health and ex-lawmaker explained that her decision to join the APC was driven by personal conviction. She noted that her return to active politics came after persistent encouragement from the people of Ogun who requested her participation in governance.
“I made a deliberate choice to join APC. This decision is entirely my own and independent of my father’s influence. While he may support me, this campaign is my initiative,” she stated.
Obasanjo-Bello said she has formally put herself forward to seek the APC governorship nomination for Ogun State. “I am confident not only in securing the party’s nomination but also in leading the state in a way that enhances APC’s standing locally and nationally,” she added.
Highlighting her previous public service and legislative experience, she noted that her track record demonstrates her readiness to serve. She also praised the APC for supporting women in politics, citing the Reserved Seats for Women Bill currently under consideration in the National Assembly.
“The party’s efforts give me hope that a woman can finally emerge as an elected governor in Nigeria. This is an opportunity to break the glass ceiling and set a precedent for future female leadership,” she said.
Obasanjo-Bello stressed that electoral success should be based on capability and performance rather than gender. She promised that, if elected, her administration would prioritize agriculture, science and technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation to positively impact the lives of Ogun residents.
