Former Senator, Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, has said she does not require the backing of her father, Olusegun Obasanjo, as she seeks the Ogun State governorship under the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Obasanjo-Bello described her governorship ambition as a personal decision, independent of parental influence.
“I don’t need his support. I’m 59, almost 60. At this age, many of my peers have lost one or both parents, so I consider myself fortunate to still have mine. But at this stage, I shouldn’t have to consult them on every career move,” she said.
She, however, expressed certainty that both her parents would vote for her. “My father and my mother will vote for me. That’s all I need from them. Even without asking, I know they will support me. This journey in APC is my own,” she added.
Reflecting on her absence from frontline politics after losing her Senate seat, Obasanjo-Bello said she had never planned to contest for re-election at the time.
She also noted that she had postponed a fellowship at Harvard University for a year due to pressure from supporters.
“I wasn’t intending to run again. Losing then felt like a blessing because it gave me space to avoid doing things I wasn’t comfortable with. It allowed others to step forward while I focused elsewhere,” she said.
The former lawmaker recalled that her entry into politics was inspired by the excitement of grassroots campaigning, a contrast to her upbringing during Nigeria’s military rule.
Her experiences as Ogun State Commissioner for Health and later as a senator, she said, form the foundation of her current political pursuit.
“People across the state often remind me of what I did for them helping someone secure a job or assisting with other opportunities. That goodwill is something I treasure,” she said.
On campaign funding, Obasanjo-Bello revealed she plans to use part of her retirement savings accumulated over decades of working in the United States and invested in the stock market.
“Investing in the US market over the years has grown my savings significantly. That will be part of my campaign fund,” she explained, adding that she also expects support from people whose careers or businesses she has helped develop.
Asked if putting her savings into a political contest was risky, she said she still has time to rebuild. “I have savings and about 15 more years of work ahead. If needed, I can always return to work,” she said.
Regarding the APC primary in Ogun State, she acknowledged that no candidate has a guaranteed ticket but expressed confidence in her chances. “My record makes me a strong contender. I believe I am more prepared than the others, and I will win,” she said.
Obasanjo-Bello also highlighted the increasing involvement of women in politics, noting that at least one other woman has joined the Ogun governorship race. She described this as a positive development, particularly with the gender-reserved seats bill pending before the National Assembly.
