…Social Media Erupts Over Ex-Senator’s APC Defection
…Supporters, Critics Trade Words Over 2027 Ambition
Daud Olatunji
The declaration of former senator and academic, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship has sparked intense public debate, with social media awash with sharp criticisms, scepticism and counter-defence of her ambition.
Obasanjo, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, formally announced her governorship bid during an interview on Eagle7 Sports 103.7FM, declaring that her political comeback was strictly for the Oke-Mosan Government House and not for the National Assembly or any appointive office.
Her declaration immediately drew mixed reactions across digital platforms, with some critics dismissing the ambition as political opportunism and others questioning her grassroots appeal.
A Facebook user, Badiru Olaoluwa Michael, described the move as “mockery to democracy,” writing, “Seeing some people declaring their intention to contest is like mockery to us and our democracy. Iyen Iyabo na.”
Others were blunter. Veteran broadcaster Yemi Akintunde scoffed at her entry, saying, “She should come and waste some of her money,” while digital creator Adegbenro Taorid said, “The more the merrier,” suggesting her entry would only widen political participation without necessarily changing outcomes.
Several commenters argued that Obasanjo’s move was tactical rather than genuine.
Entrepreneur activist Afolabi Oludaisi claimed, “Na Ogun Central senatorial ticket she’s looking for,” while pharmacist Sheriff Alao dismissed her chances outright, saying, “Tactics ni, she go nowhere.”
Real estate agent Adedeji Adelusi echoed similar sentiments, insisting that the APC ticket was already beyond her reach, writing, “Everybody wants to come APC and collect governor tickets.
Smile na Solomon Olamilekan Adeola get am.”
However, her supporters pushed back strongly against what they described as unfair attacks and double standards in Nigerian politics.
Patoranky Smart, reacting online, asked, “What exactly is wrong in her declaring her intention to run as governor of Ogun State? Even those Aremo Eko are declaring their intention and we clap for them. But Iyabo cannot contest?”
He added that Obasanjo “did not do badly as a senator” and blamed Nigeria’s leadership crisis on voters’ preference for “mediocre politicians who share grinding machines and call it empowerment.”
Similarly, Adekunle Oyeledun wrote, “What’s wrong with Iyabo? As a senator, she did wonderfully well,” while others argued that her academic background and past public service should earn her a fair hearing.
The controversy intensified after a post by one Olalekan Ekinne announcing that Obasanjo had joined the APC and declared for the 2027 governorship.
The post triggered a flood of reactions, many of them sarcastic or dismissive.
Consultant Olabanji Sonde recalled her time in the National Assembly, saying, “Someone who once said she did not know her annual basic salary as a former Senate member. Lol. Game go sweet for Ogun politics this time.”
Balogun Aremu predicted a different political future for her, writing, “I see Iyabo Obasanjo coming as minister from Ogun State after 2027 election… Game don dey show face.”
Obasanjo, who represented Ogun Central Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011 and later served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health, confirmed that her return to politics followed a 15-year hiatus in the United States, where she pursued an academic career.
She said her decision to run was not self-driven but the outcome of sustained mobilisation by supporters over two years.
“A group of people who I did not bring together have been working for about two years now. They started telling me a year ago, ‘We think you are the best candidate. We want you back,’” she said.
According to her, her defection to the APC was formalised through the party’s e-registration exercise at Ibogun Ward 11 in Ifo Local Government Area, with confirmation from her ally and former Abeokuta South council chairman, Biodun Ajayi.
The Ogun State chapter of the PDP, under which she previously served, has since wished her well in her new political home.
Political observers say Obasanjo’s entry into the APC is likely to further complicate an already crowded governorship race, especially in a party teeming with heavyweight aspirants and entrenched political interests.
While critics question her political relevance and grassroots base, supporters insist her pedigree, experience and family name could reshape the dynamics of the 2027 contest.
For now, however, her ambition appears to have reopened deep fault lines in Ogun politics, with many seeing her declaration less as a personal bid and more as a test of the state’s appetite for political legacy, reform and change.
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