In a swift political turnaround, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of a former Nigerian leader, has officially returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) just a week after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC). The decision marks a dramatic shift in her political trajectory, coming on the heels of a failed bid for the APC gubernatorial ticket in Ogun State.
Earlier this year, Obasanjo had abandoned the PDP for the APC, citing betrayal and neglect by her former party. She expressed frustration that PDP leaders only sought her support during election campaigns, calling their approach foolish. Her move to the APC was intended to reignite her political career after a 15-year hiatus from active politics. She had even announced her intention to contest for the Ogun State governorship under the APC banner.
However, her plans were thwarted when she lost the APC primary election. In a statement on Monday, she accused the party’s leadership in Ogun State of disrespect and mistreatment, leading to her resignation. Barely a week later, she made a surprise appearance at the PDP secretariat in Abeokuta during the unveiling of the party’s deputy gubernatorial candidate, Lateefah Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo. The event was marked by enthusiastic cheers and solidarity songs from party members who welcomed her back with open arms.
Addressing the crowd, Obasanjo declared that the era of electoral manipulation against the PDP candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, was over. She pledged to formally announce her defection in the coming days. Meanwhile, the PDP has already named her as its candidate for the Ogun Central Senatorial District in the upcoming elections, signaling a renewed alliance.