Prolonged Stay in Politics Limits Opportunities for Others – Iyabo Obasanjo

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

Former senator Iyabo Obasanjo has said prolonged stays in politics limit opportunities for other citizens to serve, arguing that public office should not be treated as a lifelong career.

Speaking during a visit to the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja, Ms Obasanjo said democracy was designed to allow citizens to participate in governance and then return to private life.

She said politics should be viewed as a call to service rather than a permanent occupation, adding that elected officials should make way for others after completing their terms.

Ms Obasanjo cited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an example, noting that he served two terms as governor before returning to private business and only later contesting the presidency.

The former lawmaker, who is the daughter of ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo, recently announced her intention to seek the APC governorship ticket in Ogun State.

She said her decision to return to partisan politics followed appeals from political associates after years outside active political office. If elected governor, she said she would serve two terms and then step aside.

Ms Obasanjo also rejected claims that her move to the ruling party was influenced by her father, describing the decision as personal and informed. She said his role in her political ambition would be limited to that of a voter.