Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, a leading governorship aspirant for Ogun State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, has called on women to elevate their political engagement and reject “superficial womanhood” in favor of serious governance.
The former Senator expressed her disappointment with a growing trend among modern Nigerian women who, she argues, prioritize optics and superficiality over the intellectual and leadership strengths that command genuine respect.
She urged women to lean into their “sterner qualities” to earn their place at the decision-making table.
Obasanjo, a distinguished Professor of Epidemiology and Veterinary Medicine, shared these insights during a high-level consultation in Abuja.
She said in a statement given to Persecondnews: “My aspiration to contest the governorship election in Ogun State should signpost a wake-up call for the womenfolk. It is an opportunity we must take very seriously and not allow it to pass us by.
“Naturally speaking, the men particularly in politics have gone steps ahead of us and the reality is that if we want to contest with them and win resoundingly, we must move beyond superficiality and the quest for glamour. In this contest, I am determined to give it my best to emerge the first elected female Governor in Nigeria.
“No more tokenism. Women have real potentials to lead and govern well. We must raise the bar and up our game because there is no free seats in politics.
“Competence-driven leadership is what Nigerians are yearning for. So, where do we as women have the time to waste precious hours adorning the hair, trying to make-up and doing cosmetic shows while the men we are competing with are already on the field?”
“The time is ripe and that time is now for women to prioritize their mental, leadership and natural entrepreneurial internal capabilities rather than making vain show of physical adorning and attributes which won’t earn us our seats at the table of governance,” said the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Running under the political mantra “Iyaniwura,” the former Ogun State Health Commissioner said her candidacy is driven by a desire to leverage her extensive experience, deep grassroots connections, and international expertise.
Her goal, she noted, is to ignite a wave of developmental progress capable of transforming both the “Gateway State” and the lives of its citizens.
She also expressed her profound gratitude to the people across Ogun State’s four geopolitical zones—Remo, Ijebu, Yewa, and Egba—for their overwhelming endorsement and support within such a remarkably short period.
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