Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, the first daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and a former Senator, has responded to rumours suggesting she would contest in the 2027 elections.
Now an associate professor of Public Health at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, United States, she confirmed that the political billboards bearing her image and springing up across Abeokuta ahead of the 2027 elections were erected by her supporters.
In November, the Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) invited her to campaign under its platform in the upcoming elections.
In recent months, she has appeared on some billboards endorsing her for the upcoming elections in Abeokuta, sparking speculation that she may contest again in 2027, possibly on the platform of the ADC.
One billboard read, “In Ogun State, we know ourselves. Senator (Prof) Iyabo Obasanjo. Omo wa ni, eniyan wa ni, ara wa ni.”
The former Commissioner for Health and one-time senator for Ogun Central (2007–2011) stated this in Sagamu during a recent interview with Remo TV at the 70th birthday celebration of Gloria Shoda, a former National President of the National Council of Women Societies.
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The interview has gone viral on social media.
Obasanjo-Bello clarified that she is not actively seeking a political comeback.
She said, “There are some people who have worked with me in the past. They came together and said, this is who we like.
“I told them to stop it—that I am living a good life. I live in the US, I teach at the university, and I am fine.
The lecturer, however, admitted that her supporters persuaded her to let them proceed.
“People told me to let them be, after all, they are not asking me for money. They said it was a sign of love and that I did well while in politics. They said stopping them would dampen their enthusiasm. So I have allowed them.
“Nobody can say I am actively campaigning for anything, but I have given these people the go-ahead.”
She added that the renewed calls for her return to politics underscore that leaders should always act with integrity.
“If you do good, people will come back, and we still want you for something. Whether what they want now becomes reality is not in my hands but in their hands and God’s hands.
Speaking further, she said, “I don’t know if I am interested in politics again. I have built a very good life for myself. I love teaching; I love encouraging my students.
“I love to guide people and provide mentorship. There are several people in Ogun State whom I have helped to become who they are today.
Obasanjo-Bello said she was in Sagamu to honour Shoda, whom she praised as an epitome of womanhood..a formidable woman who has led at various times.”
She also spoke about her longstanding link to Remoland, noting: “My grandmother, Alice Akinlawon née Ogunlaja, is from Ode Remo. Our family house is still there.
“I am the Iyalode of Ode Remo, a title bestowed on me by the late Alaye of Ode Remo, Oba Funso Adeolu, popularly known as Eleyinmi.”
Born on April 27, 1967, Obasanjo-Bello trained as a veterinary doctor at the University of Ibadan before becoming Commissioner for Health between 2003 and 2007, and later senator between 2007 and 2011.
She lost her 2011 re-election bid to Gbenga Obadara of the Action Congress of Nigeria and subsequently returned to the United States.
