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The governorship hopeful said she was fully prepared to contest and would deploy every legitimate political means to secure the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naija News reports that Obasanjo spoke on Saturday during a media parley with journalists held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
Dismissing speculations that she might eventually withdraw from the race in favour of another candidate, Obasanjo insisted that she was in the contest to win.
“So, I’m coming out, using my effort and doing consultation all around the state, just so that I can then not compete. I don’t understand that, it’s not possible,” she said.
“I will compete with everybody in the field, and I will do everything within my power to get the party ticket. I’ll do consultations and everything necessary.”
Her declaration comes amid growing political realignments in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections, with aspirants already intensifying consultations within party structures and across local government areas.
Obasanjo further argued that Ogun State is uniquely positioned to make history by producing Nigeria’s first elected female governor in 2027.
Though she did not name potential rivals, she maintained that her aspiration was rooted in service and development rather than symbolism, expressing confidence in her chances within the APC.
Reacting to claims that she lacks grassroots connection, the former senator rejected the narrative, describing it as inaccurate and misleading.
“When I campaigned for the Senate, I think there was no remote village in Ogun Central Senatorial District that I did not touch. If you go to those remote villages and ask who has been there before, I will be one of the few politicians they will mention,” she said.
“So when people say I’m not connected to the grassroots, I think the grassroots is actually where my strength is as a politician.”
She recalled personally visiting hard-to-reach communities across the senatorial district during her previous campaigns, stressing that her political structure was built on direct engagement with local communities.
Addressing questions on her prolonged absence from frontline politics and what many described as her “sudden return,” Obasanjo explained that her time abroad provided valuable exposure.
According to her, living overseas enabled her to study how governance works in other climes, particularly at the municipal level, including taxation systems and public service delivery models.
She added that, having established a professional career before venturing into politics, she views public office primarily as an opportunity to contribute to development rather than as a lifelong occupation.
Her words: “Because I had already built a career before coming into politics, I see public service as an opportunity to promote development, not as a permanent job.”
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