By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
The daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has joined the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State.
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It was gathered that the previous senator of Ogun Central accomplished her e-registration on Tuesday at Ibogun, Ward 11, Ifo Native Authorities Space of the state.
Confirming the event on Wednesday, Biodun Ajayi, former Chairman of Abeokuta South Native Authorities and a detailed ally of Prof. Obasanjo, informed Vanguard that the registration was efficiently concluded.
Ajayi, who at present serves as a Commissioner with the State Common Fundamental Schooling Board, SUBEB, mentioned: “I can verify to you that Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo accomplished her on-line registration as a member of our nice celebration, the APC, on Tuesday at Ibogun Ward 11 in Ifo Native Authorities.”
APC mum
Nonetheless, when contacted, the Ogun State Director of Publicity of the APC, Mr. Femi Nuberu, neither confirmed nor denied the event.
Nuberu mentioned the celebration had taken word of the heightened public curiosity generated by the continued membership registration train throughout the state, stressing that the method was open to all eligible Nigerians.
“We want to make clear that the APC registration course of is free, open and accessible to each Nigerian citizen aged 18 years and above, consistent with our celebration’s structure,” he mentioned.
“Our main focus at the moment is the profitable and inclusive conduct of the nationwide train, relatively than the person standing of any particular registrant.
“All registration actions are domiciled on the ward stage, the place designated officers are chargeable for managing and authenticating the method for brand new members.”
Nuberu added that the celebration was inspired by the huge inflow of latest members in Ogun State, describing it as a vote of confidence within the APC-led administration at each federal and state ranges.
“The rising membership displays widespread approval of the insurance policies and efficiency of the APC administration below President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun,” he acknowledged.
“It’s true’
A former member of the Home of Representatives from the realm, who spoke on situation of anonymity, additionally confirmed the event.
“Sure, it’s true. She registered at Ibogun on Tuesday. I’m conscious of that,” the supply mentioned.
The event got here as a shock to many political observers, who had speculated that the previous Commissioner for Well being and Senator representing Ogun Central between 2007 and 2011 would both return to the Peoples Democratic Celebration, PDP, or be part of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
In direction of the top of final 12 months, campaign-style billboards bearing Obasanjo’s picture surfaced throughout Abeokuta metropolis, fuelling hypothesis about her doable return to energetic politics forward of the 2027 normal elections.
The billboards carried the inscription: “In Ogun State, we all know ourselves. Sen. (Prof.) Iyabo Obasanjo. Omo wa ni, eniyan wa ni, ara wa ni.”
ADC?
A outstanding politician within the state had earlier informed Vanguard that Obasanjo would possibly be part of the ADC to pursue her political ambition, noting that former President Obasanjo supported the celebration within the 2019 normal elections.
Equally, the Ogun State Chairman of ADC, Otunba Femi Soluade, had mentioned the celebration was open to receiving her, though no formal contact had been made.
Political analysts had additionally believed that Prof. Obasanjo wouldn’t align with the APC, given her father’s open assist for Labour Celebration presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in the course of the 2023 elections.
Nonetheless, a supply near the previous senator mentioned her choice underscored her independence.
“She has her personal thoughts, regardless of her father’s political stance or public opinion,” the supply mentioned.
Obasanjo, now an Affiliate Professor of Public Well being on the College of Maryland, Baltimore, had not too long ago acknowledged consciousness of the billboards, saying they have been erected by supporters.
Talking throughout an interview with Remo TV in Sagamu on the seventieth birthday celebration of former Nationwide President of the Nationwide Council of Ladies Societies, Chief Mrs. Gloria Shoda, she mentioned she was not actively campaigning for any workplace.
“I’m not eager on contesting for any political workplace in 2027. I dwell in america, I educate on the college, and I’m advantageous,” she mentioned.
“Nonetheless, individuals who labored with me previously insisted on displaying their assist. They mentioned it was an indication of appreciation for my service, and I allowed them.”
She added that her political future remained within the fingers of God and her supporters.
Born on April 27, 1967, Prof. Obasanjo studied Veterinary Medication on the College of Ibadan. She served as Ogun State Commissioner for Well being from 2003 to 2007 and as Senator representing Ogun Central from 2007 to 2011.
She misplaced her re-election bid in 2011 to Senator Gbenga Obadara of the Motion Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and subsequently returned to america.
The current developments have reignited hypothesis a couple of doable 2027 senatorial contest for Ogun Central.
The publish Iyabo Obasanjo joins APC in Ogun appeared first on Vanguard News.
