By Peace Erewunmi

Former Senator representing Ogun Central and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, has pledged her support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the forthcoming general election despite her recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Iyabo made the declaration during a courtesy visit by members of the Liberty Group, a political support organisation, to her residence at the Obasanjo Hilltop in Abeokuta, Ogun State. She explained that her decision to join the PDP was motivated by what she described as compassion for the people of Ogun Central and a desire to better serve her constituents through a platform she believes aligns with her humanitarian values.

According to the former senator, the PDP’s people-centred philosophy complements her passion for community service and philanthropy. She promised to unite the various support groups backing her under the PDP platform while expressing appreciation for the confidence they had shown in her leadership.

Speaking during the meeting, Iyabo stated, “I promise to integrate all the groups into our platform as well as assure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of my total support in the coming general election.” The statement has attracted public attention because it appears to express support for President Tinubu while she is now a member of the opposition PDP.

She maintained that her exit from the APC followed disagreements with the party’s leadership in Ogun State after she failed to secure its governorship ticket. Iyabo had previously resigned from the ruling party, alleging that she was subjected to unfair treatment and excluded from the consensus process that produced the APC governorship candidate in the state.

Earlier, the leader of the Liberty Group, Kazeem Adedoyin, praised Iyabo Obasanjo’s record in public office, describing her as a leader with a strong history of constituency service and philanthropy. He said the group’s members, drawn from several local government areas in Ogun Central, would continue to support her political aspirations.

The remarks have generated political discussions because they appear to contrast with Iyabo Obasanjo’s recent move to the PDP. However, she has not publicly provided further clarification on how her pledge of support for President Tinubu aligns with her membership of the opposition party.

Her comments come as political parties continue consultations, realignments, and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the next general election, with key political figures across the country repositioning themselves for the 2027 electoral contest.