The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has handed the senatorial ticket for Ogun Central to former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo ahead of the 2027 election.
Iyabo secured the ticket on Wednesday after being officially received into the PDP fold at a massive rally held at the party secretariat in Abeokuta, following her recent defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The reception was preceded by a procession through major streets in Abeokuta by Senator Obasanjo, flanked by the party’s governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, her supporters, and PDP members from Ogun Central and other parts of the state.
The PDP State Chairman, Abayomi Tella, while presenting the PDP flag to Senator Obasanjo, welcomed her back to the party and announced her as the PDP candidate for Ogun Central in the next election.
Tella said, “On behalf of our National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, and the entire National Working Committee of the PDP, I, Abayomi Tella, PhD, the State Chairman of the PDP, and on behalf of PDP Ogun Central, present to our revered sister, Prof. Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, this flag as the authority of the party for her candidature for the Senate in Ogun Central.”
Taking the party’s oath, Senator Obasanjo said she is committed to the PDP constitution, manifesto, and code of conduct, stressing that she will prioritise the citizens’ welfare above personal and sectional interests.
The former commissioner reiterated that the decision to dump the APC was because of disrespect, betrayal, and unfair treatment by the ruling party’s leadership.
According to Senator Obasanjo, the acts of disrespect and betrayal were fuelled by those she had “helped and clothed” politically, adding that she remains the candidate to beat in the next election.
She stated, “I commit myself to the ideals of the PDP. I shall serve the people of Ogun State and Nigeria with integrity, humility, and dedication, prioritising their welfare above personal and sectional interests.”
Also speaking at the event, Adebutu vowed that his administration, if it emerged victorious at the poll, would ensure the viability of local government areas by implementing local government autonomy.
He also promised to be prudent and transparent in managing public funds.
He declared, “Our parents have taught us well, and I want to assure you that we won’t steal public funds.
“I, Oladipupo, son of Adebutu, won’t steal your money. Local governments will get their funds accordingly, and we shall be transparent in all our dealings.”
