2027: I want to be Ogun gov not deputy, says Iyabo Obasanjo

An Ogun State governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, on Saturday, debunked the report that she is only in the gubernatorial race to use it to bargain for either the slot of deputy governor or ministerial appointment.

Obasanjo said that such a report is nothing but cheap lies and propaganda insisting that she is in the race to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun in 2027.

The daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo equally stressed that her governorship campaign is anchored on public goodwill rather than financial strength.

Speaking in Abeokuta, while featuring on the “Media Parliament”, an interactive programme organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council, Obasanjo reaffirmed her position, saying, “I haven’t spent billions, and I’m not—I don’t have billions to spend, what I bank on is the goodwill of the people.”

Highlighting the level of grassroots support she has received, she added, “I have people donating their time, their resources—anything they have. I have people donating T-shirts, people donating caps, people donating anything. That is just part of the goodwill that has arisen from being a commissioner and a senator.”

Obasanjo also dismissed speculation that she is in the race to negotiate for a lesser political role, stating firmly, “I am not interested in being a deputy governor. If I came into this race to be governor, I do not believe that… I would just say no. I’m not in this race for deputy governor. I’m not in it for a minister.”

Emphasising her independence from politics as a livelihood, she noted, “I like the life I live. If I don’t get it, I’ll continue to participate in the politics of the party, but I will go back to my job, which I still have.”

She further underscored her professional background, saying, “As I’m sitting in front of you, I have a job, and that job is teaching. For the last three years, I’ve been teaching online because that is what technology allowed us to do during COVID. I have a good job.”

Her remarks came shortly after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, which she described as private but productive.

“The visit to the president was a private visit. We talked. He was very gracious. We spoke—very sharp and articulate—and we had a very good discussion,” she said.

Reiterating her stance, Obasanjo maintained that her governorship ambition reflects a people-driven campaign built on trust and goodwill rather than heavy financial spending.(Punch)