Iyabo Obasanjo Boosts Senate Bid With Iyaniwura Frontpersons Across Ogun Central

Former Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, has moved to strengthen her grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 senatorial election with the inauguration of Iyaniwura Foundation coordinators across the six local government areas of the district.

The coordinators, inaugurated across Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Odeda, Obafemi Owode, Ewekoro and Ifo, are expected to serve as the foundation’s grassroots representatives and links with communities across the district.

Obasanjo, who is the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senatorial candidate for Ogun Central, described the appointees as “grassroots champions, ward leaders, and community builders” who understand the needs of their communities.

She said the coordinators would help ensure that her developmental initiatives, empowerment programmes and community engagements reached residents at the grassroots.

“These are not just titles; these coordinators are grassroots champions, ward leaders, and community builders who understand the heartbeats of their neighbourhoods,” Obasanjo said.

Providing insight with, “they are our eyes, ears, and hands on the ground to ensure that our developmental initiatives, empowerment programs, and community dialogues reach where they are needed most.”

She charged the newly inaugurated coordinators to approach their responsibilities with integrity and dedication, urging them to listen to the people and remain responsive to their needs.

“To our newly sworn-in team: step out with integrity, dedication, and an open ear to the people,” she urged and added, “The work has officially begun. Together, we will build a stronger, more empowered Ogun Central.”

The development comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with Obasanjo seeking to return to the Senate on the PDP platform after previously representing Ogun Central in the Senate from 2007 to 2011.

Her emergence as the PDP candidate sets up a fresh contest with the incumbent senator, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, who is seeking a second term. Salisu secured the APC ticket after the party’s senatorial primary in May.

Salisu has expressed confidence in his re-election prospects, citing his legislative record and constituency interventions, while declaring that the APC ticket was “firmly inside my pocket.”

Obasanjo, meanwhile, comes into the contest with previous senatorial experience and an appreciable grassroots following in Ogun Central. Her return to partisan politics has already generated significant interest in the district, particularly following her movement from the APC to the PDP and her emergence as the opposition party’s senatorial candidate.

With the inauguration of the coordinators, the former senator appears set to deepen her engagement with communities across the six local government areas as the 2027 political contest gathers momentum.