Daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, has declared her intention to contest the governorship of Ogun State, insisting she will win the election.
Speaking on the interactive programme Frontline on Eagle 102.5 FM, Obasanjo said, “The position I’m going to run for is governor, and I believe it fits the skills I bring to the table.
As Ogun citizens, I hope that when I’m governor, I will touch your life either directly or indirectly in a way that will improve your lives.”
Obasanjo, who represented Ogun Central Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011, returned to active politics after a 15-year hiatus and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
She also has a strong academic background, rising to the rank of professor after pursuing her career in the United States following an unsuccessful re-election bid in 2011.
On concerns about the long-standing agitation for power to shift to Ogun West, the former senator stated that power rotation is not constitutional but promised to facilitate the emergence of a governor from the region after her tenure.
“I know what we need to do to make sure that the next governor after me is from the West. Yes, after me, because I’m going to win,” she said.
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Addressing potential challenges in her race, Obasanjo acknowledged her late entry into the contest and the role of campaign financing but expressed confidence in her popularity and track record. “I don’t think money makes elections… I believe that people are good people, and they know who will do right by them,” she said.
On her chances of securing the APC ticket, she maintained a pragmatic outlook, noting, “Everybody is politicking.
There is no reason why I shouldn’t be out there politicking with them if I want the post or any other post… Is it 100%? It’s not 100% for anybody, and it’s not 100% for me. But I will do everything I can to make sure I’m the candidate.”
Obasanjo emphasized her commitment to bridging governance gaps and making a tangible impact on the lives of Ogun residents, highlighting her experience as a former senator and health commissioner as key to her prospective leadership.