Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has rattled Ogun politics after audaciously declaring her intention to become the next governor of the Gateway state.
Appearing on “Frontline,” an interactive programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, the former lawmaker left listeners in no doubt about her ambition.
“I’m going to win,” she declared.
After 15 years away from partisan politics, the renowned epidemiologist has returned to the arena, joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and setting her sights strongly on Oke-Mosan.
Obasanjo who represented Ogun Central Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011 before losing her re-election bid to Senator Gbenga Obadara of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
She later relocated to the United States, where she built an academic career and rose to the rank of professor.
Now back on home soil, she says her mission is clear: to close governance gaps and transform lives.
“The position I’m going to run for is governor, and I believe it fits the skills I bring to the table. As Ogun citizens, I hope that when I’m governor, I will touch your life either directly or indirectly in a way that will improve your lives.”
On the long-standing agitation for power shift to Ogun West which has never produced a governor in 50 years, Obasanjo admitted the concern but rejected blame on Ogun Central.
“The reason we have not had a governor from Ogun West cannot be blamed on Ogun Central, right? We’ve had — and the man (referring to a caller on the programme) mentioned the number of governors from Central — two of them. He did not mention the number from the East.
“We’ve had three from Ogun East. So, is Central to blame for West? Personally, I was instructed to help late General Olurin when he became the PDP candidate. I walked, we went and strutted and took him around. It did not work,” the former commissioner said.
She also dismissed the idea of playing the gender card.
“I try not to use gender in this because I know the sentiment for people in the West in terms of this is very high, and I am very sensitive to their cry and I understand it.”
But she made one thing crystal clear, that she believes victory is hers.
“I know what we need to do to make sure that the next governor after me is from the West. Yes, after me, because I’m going to win,” Obasanjo declared.
Admitting that late entry and limited funds may pose challenges, she insisted money does not determine destiny at the polls.
“So, I’m coming in with two disadvantages, as I see it. Time, because I came in a little late.
“I don’t think money makes elections. I know that it’s hard to believe in Nigeria, where money is so important in everything. I believe that people are good people, and they know who will do right by them.
“So, I’m very confident. The confidence comes from just why I’m back — that people saw what I did,” she said.
On clinching the APC ticket against party heavyweights, she struck a determined tone.
“I’m as confident… Everybody is politicking. There is no reason why I shouldn’t be out there politicking with them if I want the post or any other post. I’m just like anybody else.
“So, is it 100%? It’s not 100% for anybody, and it’s not 100% for me. But I will do everything I can to make sure I’m the candidate.”
