Iyabo Obasanjo raises alarm over alleged threats to life
Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has raised the alarm over what she described as renewed threats to her life following the disruption of a Peoples Democratic Party campaign gathering in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday.
Obasanjo, the PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District in the forthcoming National Assembly election, said she had put the United Nations, United States Embassy in Nigeria and the international community on notice over the alleged threat to her life and the integrity of the January 2027 elections.
She spoke in an interview with Splash FM while reacting to the disruption of the PDP campaign gathering at Ward 16, Trailer Park, Soyooye area of Abeokuta North Local Government Area. She said videos circulating online showed men, some allegedly masked and armed with cutlasses, dismantling campaign canopies and attacking people.
Obasanjo alleged that the incident was part of a broader pattern of threats against her, recalling an incident during the 2003 election when gunmen allegedly fired at a vehicle in her convoy, believing she was travelling in it. She claimed all occupants of the vehicle were killed.
“I say it aloud now. If anything happens to me, the whole world should know those who are behind it,” she said.
The Monday incident reportedly occurred shortly before the arrival of PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, and Obasanjo. The attackers, said to number more than 10, were reportedly armed with cutlasses, axes and other dangerous weapons, while some supporters were allegedly injured and campaign materials damaged.
Adebutu and Obasanjo later contacted the Ogun State Police Command and the Department of State Services, after which security personnel arrived at the scene. The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Seyi Babaseyi, could not immediately confirm the circumstances surrounding the incident and requested that inquiries be sent by text message.
Obasanjo also questioned what she described as continuing interest by her former political associates in her departure from the All Progressives Congress and subsequent membership of the PDP. She called for increased attention to the safety of political actors and supporters, warning that continued violence could affect the conduct of the January 2027 elections.
