Iyabo Obasanjo Moves Back to US Amid Uncertainty Over PDP Senatorial Candidacy
Iyabo Obasanjo Moves Back to US Amid Uncertainty Over PDP Senatorial Candidacy
…….INEC yet to release final National Assembly candidates’ list
ABEOKUTA — Professor Iyabo Obasanjo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant for Ogun Central Senatorial District, has allegedly travelled back to the United States amid speculation over the possible implications of the September 24, 2026, Supreme Court judgment on her candidacy.
According to a source familiar with the development, the former governorship aspirant, who initially contested for the Ogun State governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before moving to the PDP to pursue a senatorial ambition, reportedly left Nigeria two days ago.
The source claimed that concerns over the possible effect of the Supreme Court judgment on her eligibility to contest the senatorial election may have influenced her decision to travel. However, this newspaper has not independently verified the reason for her reported trip or whether she has received any official communication from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding her candidacy.
The development comes against the backdrop of the September 24, 2026, Supreme Court judgment on provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 concerning political party membership registers and the eligibility of parties to nominate candidates for elections.
The judgment, as described in reports surrounding the case, restored Sections 77(5), (6), (7) and 84(2), reinforcing requirements relating to party membership registers submitted to INEC within the stipulated period.
The interpretation and application of these provisions could have implications for disputes involving party membership and candidate nomination. However, any claim that Professor Obasanjo’s name will be removed from the final list remains unconfirmed.
### Adebutu’s Absence From Governorship List Raises Further Questions
The uncertainty surrounding Obasanjo’s senatorial ambition has also drawn attention to developments involving the PDP’s governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu.
INEC’s final list of governorship candidates released on Saturday, October 10, 2026, reportedly excluded Adebutu and his running mate.
The reported omission has raised questions about the status of the PDP’s governorship ticket and the party’s compliance with the applicable nomination requirements.
A source linked the developments to disputes over party membership registers and internal party alignments, including the political division involving supporters of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. However, the specific reasons for the exclusion of Adebutu and his running mate require confirmation from INEC or the relevant legal and electoral records.
### INEC Yet to Release Final National Assembly List
Meanwhile, INEC has released the final list of governorship and House of Assembly candidates across the country.
The commission is expected to republish the final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates at a later date, with November 2026 indicated as the anticipated period for the National Assembly list.
Until the relevant list is published, there is no confirmed basis to conclude that Professor Obasanjo has been excluded from the Ogun Central senatorial race.
As of the time of filing this report, this newspaper has not independently confirmed her alleged return to the United States, obtained an official statement from her camp, or verified any decision by INEC to remove her name.
Further clarification from INEC and the PDP is expected to determine the status of the affected candidacies.
