IYABO OBASANJO REJECTS OBI ALLIANCE, BACKS TINUBU FOR 2027

Professor Iyabo Obasanjo, the Peoples Democratic Party’s senatorial candidate for Ogun Central, has declared her support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 and dismissed reports suggesting she was considering a political alliance with Peter Obi, insisting that she has never met the former Anambra State governor for political discussions.

The clarification came in response to a social media publication claiming that a so-called “Rainbow Coalition” was emerging in Ogun Central, with Obasanjo allegedly considering an endorsement of Obi, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE DECLARATION

Obasanjo was unequivocal about her presidential preference. “I am supporting Tinubu because I know him best of all the presidential candidates as a much senior politician, and he has always treated me with respect,” she said.

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She also rejected the suggestion that she was negotiating or contemplating any arrangement involving Obi. “I have never met Obi for any political discussions ever,” she stated.

THE CAMPAIGN’S REBUTTAL

The Iyabo Obasanjo Senatorial Campaign Organisation described the report as fabricated and alleged that it was designed to mislead voters and create confusion within the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Peter Macjob, the organisation said no meetings, consultations or agreements had taken place between Obasanjo and Obi concerning any proposed political alliance.

The organisation maintained that Obasanjo remained the duly cleared senatorial candidate of the PDP for Ogun Central and was focused on her bid to return to the National Assembly.

It urged voters and media organisations to disregard the report, arguing that political discourse should centre on candidates’ records, programmes and capacity to deliver rather than unsubstantiated claims of secret alliances.

WHY IT MATTERS

Iyabo Obasanjo’s decision to support Tinubu while running as a PDP senatorial candidate is a striking example of the complexity of Nigerian politics.

It shows that party affiliation does not always determine presidential preference. It also highlights the continued influence of the Obasanjo name in Ogun State and the broader South-West.

For Tinubu, the endorsement is a symbolic victory, a reminder that his political network extends across party lines. For Obi, it is a setback—a denial that any alliance was in the works.

For Iyabo Obasanjo, it is a calculated political move: she is seeking to return to the Senate on the PDP platform while backing the APC’s presidential candidate.

Whether voters in Ogun Central will accept that arrangement remains to be seen. But for now, she has made her position clear. ValidViewNetwork reports.