Former Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, Dr Iyabo Obasanjo, has dismissed claims that her decision to seek the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections was influenced by her father, former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Senator Obasanjo, who spoke with journalists yesterday at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, said that her aspiration was driven purely by personal conviction and sustained calls from supporters.

“My father is just another Nigerian who will vote for me. He has not presented any platform for me and has not influenced my decision in any way,” she said.

Obasanjo said that her return to active politics followed years of appeal from Ogun State residents and political associates, many of whom are now members of the APC.

“I have not been in active politics for many years. I am back because the people of Ogun State asked for my return. Most of those I have worked with and had positive experiences with are now in APC, and that informed my choice,” she stated.

She, however, expressed confidence that she would secure the party’s nomination and govern the state effectively, citing the goodwill from her service in the Senate and as Commissioner for Health.

“If given the opportunity, I will bring my experience to bear in repositioning Ogun State and strengthening the APC,” she said.

On gender inclusion, Obasanjo noted that Nigeria has never had an elected female governor, stressing that it was time women were given greater opportunities in leadership.

“I believe a woman can become governor in Nigeria, and I hope it becomes the norm,” she added.

She also addressed zoning concerns, particularly agitation for the governorship to rotate to Ogun West, saying she would be in support of any acceptable and popular candidate capable of winning across all zones of the state.

The former health commissioner, who was accompanied by top-notchers of the party from Ogun State, pledged to focus her campaign on development, industrial growth, education, science and technology, while working to make the APC the winning party in Ogun State in 2027, in alignment with the broader reform agenda of President Bola Tinubu.