Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, has raised concerns over renewed threats to her life. This follows an attack on a PDP campaign gathering in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday. Obasanjo stated that she was putting the United Nations, the US Embassy in Nigeria, and the international community on notice regarding the alleged threats.
The attack occurred at Ward 16, Trailer Park, Soyooye area of Abeokuta North Local Government Area, shortly before Obasanjo's arrival. Witnesses reported that a group of armed men, some with masked faces and armed with cutlasses, dismantled campaign canopies and attacked people at the venue. Obasanjo claimed that she had seen videos of the incident online and warned that unless the growing violence was stopped, she and her associates would seek international attention.
This is not the first time Obasanjo has alleged threats to her life. She recalled an incident during the 2003 election, in which gunmen fired at a vehicle in her convoy, resulting in the death of all occupants. Obasanjo stated that if anything happened to her, the world should know who was behind it. Her comments have added a new dimension to Monday's incident, amid preparations for the January 2027 National Assembly election in Ogun State.
The PDP campaign gathering was disrupted by a group of armed men, reportedly numbering over ten, who were armed with cutlasses, axes, and other dangerous weapons. The incident forced the campaign team to temporarily hold back from the venue as the situation became tense. Obasanjo and PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, later arrived at the campaign ground and met supporters who had gathered for the event.
Some people were said to have sustained injuries during the incident, and campaign materials were reportedly damaged. The identity and political affiliation of the attackers had not been independently established as of the time of reporting. The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Seyi Babaseyi, could not immediately confirm the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Obasanjo linked the incident to a broader pattern of threats against her, questioning the continuing interest by her former political associates in her departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and her subsequent membership of the PDP. 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. Obasanjo's remarks have raised concerns about the security situation in Ogun State, ahead of the January 2027 National Assembly election. The incident has sparked a reaction, with many calling for increased security measures to ensure the safety of politicians and supporters.
Key points
- Senator Iyabo Obasanjo alerts UN, US over threats to her life
- Obasanjo recalls past incident of threat to her life
- Senator calls for heightened attention to safety of political actors and supporters
