politics

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello Returns to PDP as Senatorial Candidate

Published

5 months ago

June 18, 2026

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello has formally returned to the PDP and been named senatorial candidate for Ogun Central, citing disrespect and unfair treatment as reasons for leaving the APC

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Peoples Democratic Party Ogun State leadership led by Dr Abayomi Tella, and All Progressives Congress officials witnessed a significant political realignment in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, as the former senator was formally received back into the PDP and presented with the party flag as its candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.

Also read: PDP Candidate Slams APC Primary as Worst in Ekiti

A colourful reception at the PDP secretariat followed a lively procession through major streets of Abeokuta, where Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello was flanked by party members and the PDP governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu. Dr Abayomi Tella officially presented the flag on behalf of the national leadership, marking her return after a brief stint in the ruling APC.

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, who turns 60 next year, took the party oath and pledged loyalty to the PDP constitution while committing to serve the people of Ogun State and Nigeria with integrity, humility, and dedication.

She explained her departure from the APC, saying the party treated her like a child despite her experience as a former commissioner and senator.

She had initially joined the APC because of the respect shown to her by President Bola Tinubu, but later felt sidelined and disrespected in decision-making processes.

The 59-year-old politician, who had earlier registered with the APC in January before resigning on May 31, described the move as influenced by betrayal from those she had politically supported. She expressed confidence in her prospects, positioning herself as the most qualified candidate for Ogun Central.

Ladi Adebutu, the PDP governorship candidate, used the occasion to assure residents of prudent management of public funds and full local government autonomy if elected. He emphasised transparency and commitment to ethical governance.

This development reflects the fluid nature of politics in Ogun State, where prominent figures often shift allegiances amid internal party dynamics.

Also read: Reps Defections Deepen Crisis for APC, PDP

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello had been largely out of active politics for over a decade after serving as senator from 2007 to 2011, making her return a notable boost for the PDP ahead of the 2027 polls.

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politics

2027: Political Parties Mobilise Thousands of Polling Agents

Published

19 hours ago

November 8, 2026

Mariam Balogun

Political parties in Nigeria have intensified the recruitment and training of polling agents ahead of the 2027 general elections, as preparations shift towards securing representation at polling units across the country.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), are putting structures in place to monitor voting, counting and collation of results.

The development comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) introduces an electronic platform for political parties to nominate and submit the details of their polling agents, replacing the manual submission system used in previous elections.

Nigeria has 176,846 polling units, making nationwide representation a major logistical undertaking for parties seeking to monitor the electoral process from the grassroots.

The APC has claimed that it has recruited 4,421,150 polling agents across the country’s polling units.

Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, disclosed the figure while speaking at a two-day national retreat of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Abuja.

The ruling party said its mobilisation was part of efforts to strengthen its grassroots presence and ensure adequate representation during the elections.

The opposition parties are also developing their own strategies, with some focusing on recruiting committed members, screening nominees and training officials responsible for submitting agents’ details to INEC.

PDP trains officials, warns against double agents

The PDP has begun training its state executives and officials responsible for uploading the details of its polling agents to INEC’s online portal.

At a capacity-building session in Abuja on November 2, the party’s National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, urged participants to take the exercise seriously and extend the training to officials at the local government and ward levels.

He stressed that election monitoring began at polling units, where party agents played an important role in protecting candidates’ interests.

The party’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, also cautioned state executives against engaging individuals who were not committed members of the party.

Bature warned against the recruitment of so-called double agents who could abandon their responsibilities or work for rival parties during elections.

He urged party officials to properly screen nominees and prioritise loyal members who had demonstrated commitment to the organisation.

The PDP subsequently directed its state secretaries to submit their agents’ details to the national leadership by December 2, ahead of the commission’s submission deadline.

Labour Party draws lessons from 2023 election

The Labour Party has also commenced the recruitment, screening and notification of polling agents as part of its preparations for the 2027 elections.

Its Interim National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, said the party was drawing lessons from the 2023 general elections, particularly the difficulties it encountered in obtaining comprehensive coverage of polling units.