The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State on Wednesday formally welcomed former Senator, Professor Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello back into its fold following her recent defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the rally held at the party secretariat in Abeokuta, the PDP also presented Senator Obasanjo with its senatorial ticket for Ogun Central ahead of the forthcoming general election.

Senator Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented Ogun Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2007 to 2011. 

Following her unsuccessful re-election bid in 2011, she relocated to the United States, where she pursued a career in academia.

She returned to active politics earlier this year after a 15-year hiatus, joining the APC in January and declaring her ambition to contest the governorship election.

However, after failing to secure the party’s governorship ticket, she resigned from the APC on May 31 and subsequently rejoined the PDP.

Her reception into the PDP was marked by a procession through major streets of Abeokuta, led by Senator Obasanjo alongside the party’s governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, supporters, and PDP members from Ogun Central and other parts of the state.

Presenting the PDP flag to Senator Obasanjo, the State Chairman of the party, Dr. Abayomi Tella, officially welcomed her back and announced her as the PDP’s candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District.

“On behalf of our National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, and the National Working Committee of the PDP, I present this flag to our revered sister, Prof. Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, as the authority of the party for her candidature for the Senate in Ogun Central,” Tella stated.

During the ceremony, Senator Obasanjo took the party’s oath, pledging loyalty to the PDP, its constitution, manifesto, and code of conduct.

She pledged to uphold the party’s ideals and serve the people of Ogun State and Nigeria with integrity, humility, and dedication.

The former senator explained that her decision to leave the APC was informed by what she described as disrespect, betrayal, and unfair treatment by the party’s leadership. 

She alleged that some of those responsible were individuals she had previously supported politically.

Expressing confidence ahead of the election, Senator Obasanjo declared herself the candidate to beat, maintaining that she remains the best senator to have represented Ogun Central.

Also speaking at the event, the PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, pledged that his administration would strengthen local government administration by implementing full local government autonomy if elected governor.

He further assured residents of prudent and transparent management of public resources.

“Our parents have taught us well, and I want to assure you that we will not steal public funds. Local governments will receive their allocations accordingly, and we shall be transparent in all our dealings,” Adebutu said.