From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta

Thedaughter of Nigeria’s former president, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, yesterday disclosed that she is targeting to be the first female elected governor in the country.

Obasanjo-Bello, who made this disclosure while addressing journalists at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Abeokuta, expressed confidence that she would clinch the governorship ticket and emerge the next governor in 2027.

She declared that the strong grassroots connection she built while serving as a commissioner in the state and later as a senator representing Ogun Central, will put her in a good stead above other governorship aspirants.

Obasanjo-Bello added that she had built a career before entering politics, which allowed her to view public service primarily as an opportunity to drive development rather than as a lifelong occupation.

She emphasised that living and working abroad had provided her with further opportunity to understand how governance works in other societies, particularly the functioning of local governments and tax systems.

“My international exposure helps because I had a career doing something else which I am comfortable with and can return to. It means that when I am in government, I see everything as a development issue, not as something I must hold on to forever.

“You cannot copy anything exactly from any other country, but a lot of it gives you ideas about how things can work better in your own society,” she said.

She stressed that politics should not be treated as a lifelong profession, noting that democratic governance was designed to allow citizens to participate in leadership and later return to private life.

“I see governance as something you do to develop society and help people, and then you can move on to other things in or outside politics,” she said.

“Politics is not supposed to be a lifelong career. People should be able to come in from society, serve, and return to their normal lives,” Senator Obasanjo-Bello insisted.

She submitted that she will ensure that Ogun witnesses unprecedented socioeconomic and infrastructural development, if elected governor in 2027.

She, however, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the economic and infrastructural developments in Nigeria as indication of a positive shift, highlighting the stabilisation of the naira, improved transportation networks and growing international economic engagement.

According to her, the relative stability of the national currency has restored confidence among businesses, particularly importers and exporters, by enabling better financial planning and predictability.

She noted that fluctuations in the exchange rate had previously made it difficult for businesses to survive, as costs and selling prices changed unpredictably, noting the current trend offers relief to the private sector.

Prof Obasanjo-Bello observed further that major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal road project, would ultimately deliver long-term economic benefits despite initial criticisms.

She explained that the project would enhance port connectivity, facilitate smoother transportation to the eastern corridor and reduce pressure on roads in Ogun State, which serves as major transit route between the South-West, North and East.

“Right now, if you are travelling to the North or East, you almost always pass through Ogun State. While that is good for connectivity, it also puts enormous pressure on our roads. This project will help decongest those routes and support development,” she added.

On the insecurity situation, the Obasanjo-Bello said increased collaboration among security agencies and international partners has contributed to gradual improvements, adding that economic diplomacy remains a key driver of development.