By The Nation
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senatorial candidate in Ogun Central, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and dismissed reports linking her to a purported political alliance with the Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NNPP), Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She described the report of an alliance with Obi as false, saying she had never met Obi for political discussions and had not entered into any arrangement with him over a proposed cross-party voting strategy.
Her clarification followed a social media post attributed to the blog Very Nigerian, which claimed a political arrangement tagged the “Rainbow Coalition” was emerging in Ogun Central, with the former Senator allegedly considering endorsing Obi.
But Obasanjo, in a swift response, said her support for Tinubu stemmed from her longstanding political relationship with the President and the respect he had consistently shown her.
She said, “I have never met Obi for any political discussions ever.”
“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.”
The Iyabo Obasanjo Senatorial Campaign Organisation also rejected the alleged alliance, calling the publication fabricated and accusing its promoters of trying to mislead voters and create confusion within the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Peter Macjob, the campaign organisation maintained that Obasanjo and Obi had held no meetings, consultations, or agreements regarding the alleged coalition.
It further insisted that Obasanjo remained the duly cleared PDP senatorial candidate for Ogun Central and was concentrating on her campaign to return to the National Assembly.
The organisation urged voters and media organisations to disregard the report, calling for political discussions to focus on candidates’ records, policy proposals and capacity to deliver effective representation rather than unsubstantiated claims of secret alliances.
It said the campaign’s priority was to mobilise support across Ogun Central and convince constituents that Obasanjo’s return to the Senate would advance grassroots development and improve representation.
Obasanjo, a former Senator representing Ogun Central, is seeking a return to the National Assembly as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Her declaration of support for Tinubu, while retaining her PDP senatorial candidacy, highlights the distinction between her stated presidential preference and her ambition to contest the Ogun Central seat under the opposition party.
However, the campaign organisation reiterated its call for issue-based politics, urging the electorate to assess candidates on their individual merits, programmes and ability to address their constituents’ concerns.
