Former senator and ex–National Assembly member, Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, has confirmed that she is now a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.
She made the revelation on Saturday during an interview with Nigerian football icon, Segun Odegbami, on 103.7FM Eagle7 Sports in Abeokuta, where she described the APC as her “natural home.”
The daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo explained that her decision to return to active politics was driven by sustained pressure from supporters who had been urging her comeback for over a year.
According to her, returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under which she previously contested elections, was not an option due to the party’s ongoing internal crises. She added that although the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was also considered, she had concerns about the party’s level of preparedness.
Obasanjo-Bello noted that the individuals encouraging her return to politics are all APC members, a factor that significantly influenced her decision to join the ruling party. She said she carried out wide consultations before formally aligning with the APC.
“I believe the APC is my natural home. I have no animosity towards anyone in the party, and I feel comfortable with the actors I know within it. In fact, I feel more at ease here than with some individuals I know in other parties,” she said, expressing confidence and satisfaction with her choice.
Although the APC has yet to officially announce her defection, the move marks her return to frontline politics after about 15 years. She joined the party ahead of the 2027 general elections in Ogun State, sparking speculation that she may be considering a governorship bid.
Reports indicate that she recently took part in the APC e-registration exercise at Ibogun, Ward 11, in Ifo Local Government Area, effectively formalising her membership.
Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello represented Ogun Central Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011, after serving as 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).
After her defeat, she returned to the United States to focus on her academic career, where she later attained the rank of professor.
