Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, has raised concerns over renewed threats to her life following a violent disruption of a PDP campaign gathering in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The incident occurred on Monday, and Obasanjo has put the United Nations, the United States Embassy in Nigeria, and the international community on notice. She cited a looming threat to her life and the integrity of the January 2027 elections.
According to Obasanjo, an interview with Splash FM revealed that she had seen videos circulating online showing men with masked faces and armed with cutlasses allegedly dismantling campaign canopies and attacking people at the venue shortly before her arrival. The senator warned that unless the growing violence was stopped, she and her political associates would seek the attention of the international community. Obasanjo also recalled an incident during the 2003 election in which gunmen fired at a vehicle in her convoy, resulting in the death of all occupants.
The PDP campaign gathering in the Soyooye area was disrupted by a group of armed men who invaded the venue, forcing the campaign team to temporarily hold back. Witnesses reported that the men, numbering over ten, were armed with cutlasses, axes, and other dangerous weapons. The incident resulted in damaged chairs and tables, and some people sustained injuries. Obasanjo and PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, later arrived at the campaign ground and met supporters who had gathered for the event.
The senator linked the incident to a broader pattern of threats against her and questioned the continuing interest of her former political associates in her departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and her subsequent membership of the PDP. Obasanjo stated that her former associates had treated her like scum and that she had left their party for the PDP, which openly embraced her. She wondered why they were still concerned about her and the internal affairs of her new party.
Obasanjo's remarks have added a new dimension to Monday's incident, coming amid preparations for the January 2027 National Assembly election in Ogun State. She called for heightened attention to the safety of political actors and supporters, warning that continued violence could have implications for the conduct of the forthcoming elections. The senator's allegations concerning the identity and motives of those behind the attack remain claims requiring investigation and independent verification.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Seyi Babaseyi, was contacted for confirmation but requested that inquiries be sent to him by text message. No response had been received as of press time. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Ogun State, particularly with regards to the upcoming elections.
Obasanjo's alert to the international community and her warnings about the potential consequences of continued violence have underscored the need for a peaceful and secure electoral process. The incident and Obasanjo's allegations will likely be closely monitored by stakeholders, including the UN, US Embassy, and local authorities, to ensure that the necessary measures are taken to prevent further threats and ensure a free and fair election.
Key points
- Senator Iyabo Obasanjo alerts international community to alleged threats to her life and the integrity of the January 2027 elections.
- Obasanjo recalls past incident where gunmen fired at her convoy, resulting in fatalities.
- The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Ogun State, particularly with regards to the upcoming elections.
