APC Governorship Battle Heats Up as Iyabo Obasanjo Joins Race, Targets Infrastructure and Jobs
By Raphael Ekpang
The daughter of the former president of Nigeria, His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo, Iyabo Obasanjo has joined the governorship race for Ogun state, targeting infrastructure, education, and economic growth if elected.
Iyabo Obasanjo was the former Commissioner for Health in the state, and during her visit to the APC National Secretariat on Monday, March 3, she said her decision to return to active politics followed sustained appeals from supporters across Ogun State who believe in her capacity to lead. She described her entry into the race as a response to public demand and a renewed commitment to service.
However, she identified science and technology-driven education as a central pillar of her agenda, stressing that innovation and ICT development would equip young people with competitive skills. According to her, strengthening the education sector would empower the next generation to shape their own future.
She also listed transportation and infrastructure as critical priorities, noting that Ogun’s position as a gateway state requires improved road networks and better planning to ease congestion and stimulate commerce. She said strategic infrastructure investment would directly improve residents’ quality of life.
Agriculture and manufacturing, she added, would receive strong attention under her leadership. She pledged policies aimed at boosting food production, supporting farmers and consolidating Ogun’s reputation as a leading industrial hub in Nigeria.
Highlighting her previous record in public office, Obasanjo recalled impactful interventions during her tenure as Commissioner for Health and as a Senator, saying her experience has prepared her for the demands of executive leadership. “When I serve, I serve with all my strength and purpose,” she said.
On women’s participation in politics, she expressed optimism that the time is right for greater female representation in leadership, maintaining that competence and service delivery should remain the primary criteria for leadership selection.
The daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo also dismissed suggestions that her political decisions were influenced by her father, insisting that her return to politics and choice of party were personal decisions based on conviction and alignment with her supporters.
She concluded by affirming that the governorship race is open and competitive, expressing confidence that her experience, grassroots connection and development-focused agenda would position her and the APC strongly ahead of the next election in Ogun State.
