Former National Assembly member Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello has confirmed her membership in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.
She made the disclosure on Saturday during an interview with Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami on 103.7FM Eagle7 Sports, monitored in Abeokuta, describing the APC as her “natural home.”
The daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo said her return to politics was driven by sustained pressure from supporters.
“As I told you, a group of people whom I did not bring together have been working for about two years. They started telling me about a year ago, ‘Look, we think you are the best candidate. We want you back,’” she said.
Iyabo Obasanjo explained that returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under which she last contested, was not an option due to ongoing internal crises within the party. She also considered the African Democratic Congress (ADC) but had reservations about its preparedness.
“Those who encouraged my return to politics are all members of the APC, which influenced my decision. I conducted extensive consultations before formally joining,” she said.
She added, “I feel comfortable with all the actors I know within the APC. I feel more comfortable than with some of the actors I know in the PDP, some of whom are now in the ADC. APC is my natural home. I feel confident and happy with this decision.”
Although the APC has yet to issue an official statement, her move marks a return to active politics after about 15 years. She joined the party ahead of the 2027 general elections in Ogun State, sparking speculation that she may contest the governorship.
Reports indicate that she participated in the APC e-registration exercise at Ibogun, Ward 11, in Ifo Local Government Area, formally cementing her membership.
Obasanjo-Bello represented Ogun Central Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011, having previously served as the state commissioner for health under former Governor Gbenga Daniel. She lost her re-election bid in 2011 to Senator Gbenga Obadara of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and subsequently returned to the United States to pursue her academic career, ultimately attaining the rank of professor.
