Former Ogun Central Senator and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, says her decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was motivated by her desire to better serve the people of Ogun Central through what she described as the PDP’s people-centred philosophy.
Former Senator representing Ogun Central, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, has explained the reasons behind her recent defection from the APC to the PDP, saying compassion for the people of Ogun Central and her commitment to humanitarian service influenced her decision.
She made the remarks while receiving members of the Liberty Group, a political support organisation, during a courtesy visit to her residence at the Obasanjo Hilltop in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
According to Obasanjo-Bello, the PDP’s philosophy aligns more closely with her passion for helping people and expanding her philanthropic activities.
“I like helping people, and PDP as a party has always been a people-centred party, which further helps me to spread my philanthropic gesture to my constituents,” she said.
She also pledged to unite the various political support groups backing her under the PDP platform as preparations continue ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obasanjo-Bello further stated that the APC no longer reflected her vision for the people of Ogun Central, prompting her decision to leave the ruling party.
The former senator resigned from the APC after the party’s governorship primary in Ogun State. She had previously cited disrespect, unfair treatment and dissatisfaction with the party’s internal processes as reasons for leaving.
During the visit, the Liberty Group endorsed Obasanjo-Bello, describing her record as a former Ogun State Commissioner for Health and senator as the basis for its support.
The group’s leader, Kazeem Adedoyin, said members drawn from several local government areas in Ogun State had resolved to support both Obasanjo-Bello and the PDP in the forthcoming elections.
Obasanjo-Bello assured her supporters that she would work to integrate all affiliated groups into the PDP structure while strengthening the party’s grassroots presence in Ogun State.
She also reiterated her commitment to public service and promised to continue pursuing policies she believes will improve the welfare of the people of Ogun Central.
Her defection adds to the series of political realignments taking place across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections. Analysts say such movements could influence party structures and electoral calculations in Ogun State as campaigns gradually gather momentum.