RismadarVoice Reporters
October 18, 2026
Former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has urged Nigerians to prioritise the competence, track records and commitment of political candidates over party affiliations when making electoral decisions in the 2027 general elections.
Obasanjo, who is seeking to return to the Senate to represent Ogun Central Senatorial District on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said voters should focus on candidates’ capacity to deliver meaningful development and improve citizens’ living conditions.
Speaking during a television interview, the professor of epidemiology reflected on her political career, her return to active politics after nearly 15 years and the circumstances that influenced her decision to seek elective office again.
She maintained that the credibility of political candidates should be assessed through their previous achievements, commitment to public service and practical plans for their constituencies.
OBASANJO EXPLAINS RETURN TO POLITICS
The former senator disclosed that her decision to return to politics was influenced by an encounter with approximately 30 community members who appealed to her to resume public service.
According to her, the individuals were not family members but residents who independently approached her and shared personal experiences of how her previous interventions had positively affected their lives.
She explained that their testimonies reminded her of the impact of her earlier political engagements and strengthened her conviction that she could still contribute to improving people’s welfare.
Obasanjo said the experience encouraged her to reconsider her decision to remain outside elective politics after spending several years pursuing academic and professional interests.
She noted that her motivation for returning was rooted in her desire to continue serving communities and supporting initiatives capable of improving living standards.
DECLINES TO ENDORSE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
When questioned about her preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Obasanjo declined to make a public endorsement.
She explained that openly supporting a particular presidential aspirant could create confusion among voters evaluating her own senatorial ambition.
The former lawmaker instead urged Nigerians to distinguish between the different electoral contests and independently assess the qualifications and programmes of candidates seeking various offices.
Her remarks underscored her position that political loyalty should not prevent voters from examining individual candidates’ records and their capacity to deliver results.
She maintained that Nigerians should make informed electoral choices based on performance, competence and the needs of their communities.
HIGHLIGHTS PREVIOUS PUBLIC SERVICE RECORD
Reflecting on her earlier political career, Obasanjo cited her involvement in healthcare development and community improvement projects as examples of her commitment to public service.
She referred to her experience in managing grants, supporting healthcare initiatives and facilitating hospital renovation projects intended to strengthen access to essential services.
According to her, such interventions demonstrated the importance of using public office to address practical challenges affecting ordinary citizens.
She said her professional background in epidemiology and experience in public administration had continued to shape her understanding of community needs and development priorities.
Obasanjo maintained that, if elected, she would remain committed to initiatives designed to improve the welfare of residents and promote sustainable development.
EXPLAINS MOVEMENT BETWEEN PDP AND APC
The former senator also addressed questions surrounding her political affiliations and eventual return to the PDP.
She recalled joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) while pursuing the party’s governorship ticket in Ogun State, having previously represented Ogun Central in the Senate under the PDP.
Following the APC’s consensus process, Obasanjo said she congratulated the successful aspirant before deciding to return to the PDP to pursue her senatorial ambition.
She insisted that her political movements had not altered her fundamental commitment to public service.
According to her, party membership should serve as a platform for implementing programmes that benefit citizens rather than becoming the sole basis for determining a politician’s suitability for office.
CALLS FOR ISSUE-BASED POLITICS
Obasanjo urged Nigerians to pay greater attention to candidates’ policy proposals, leadership abilities and previous contributions to society as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
She argued that the quality of representation should be measured by the practical improvements elected officials bring to their communities.
Her return to the political arena places her among candidates seeking to represent Ogun Central, where voters will have the opportunity to evaluate competing proposals on governance, development and public welfare.
The former senator maintained that her ambition was driven by a desire to build on her previous contributions and provide effective representation for the people of Ogun Central.
