Yayi is an opportunist moving around picking what benefits him, says Obasanjo

The Governorship aspirant under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State ahead of 2027 poll, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has accused Senator Solomon Adeola of political migration driven purely by ambition rather than service.

Penpushing reports that Adeola popularly called Yayi, who is representing Ogun West Senatorial District is been rumoured as eyeing the Governorship seat, but controversy has continued to trail his indigeneship in the state

The former Senator of Ogun Central, however, in her reaction during a radio programme described Adeola as an opportunist and criticised what she described as the culture of political opportunism and defections in Nigeria.

Penpushing further reports that she described the practice as damaging to democratic growth and institutional stability, and called for deeper reforms in legislative practice, gender inclusion, and political leadership.

“Yayi is an opportunist. He has never supported anybody from the West, yet now he positions himself as a contender. Politics is not about coming into a state just because it is advantageous to you’, she stated.

‘You have to build a connection with the people, understand the grassroots, and be part of the system. Opportunists move around, picking what benefits them, but that is not how sustainable leadership is built’, Obasanjo added

“I have supported candidates from the West; I have organized people there. I know the terrain, I know the population, and I know what it takes to prepare a candidate who can truly represent the West’, she added.

‘For me, credibility comes from consistency and dedication, not convenience or short-term gains. I believe that is how we ensure real leadership that benefits the people, not just individual ambitions’, Obasanjo stressed

‘Recall that Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as “Yayi,” has made history in Nigerian politics by becoming the first legislator to represent two different senatorial districts in two different states’.

‘After a decade-long legislative career in Lagos—where he served as a member of the State House of Assembly (2003–2011), the House of Representatives (2011–2015), and two terms as the Senator for Lagos West (2015–2023)—Adeola successfully shifted his political base to his ancestral home in Ogun State’.

‘In the 2023 general elections, he won the seat for Ogun West Senatorial District, a transition often described by political analysts as a “West-to-West” masterstroke that effectively bridged his seasoned Lagos influence with his roots in Yewaland’.

“I do not believe in opportunistic politics. You do not change states, local governments, or political bases just because it becomes easier to win elections there. That is not how a serious democracy should work’, she added.

Penpushing also reports that the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo warned that frequent political defections weaken institutions and erode public trust, arguing that democracy grows when politicians grow with their people, not when they shop for constituencies.

“If everybody begins to choose where it is easiest to win, then we will destroy the foundations of our political system. Democracy grows when politicians grow with their people, not when they shop for constituencies’, she stated

Penpushing reports that the former Commissioner for Health in Ogun State equally spoke extensively on her political journey, legislative reforms, the ongoing debate around part-time legislature, women representation, power rotation in Ogun State, and the evolving nature of Nigerian democracy, emphasizing that political consistency is essential for democratic development.

“You stay where you started, you build structures, you serve the people, and you grow with them. You do not abandon your base simply because ambition is calling elsewhere’, Obasanjo added

Penpushing further reports that on her defection from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC), described it as a culmination of years of being undervalued despite her longstanding commitment.

The Governorship hopeful recounted how the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) often reached out only when it needed her to mobilize support during elections, sidelining her contributions and insights in the process.

“They only reached out to me when they needed my support to garner votes during elections. It was like they forgot all the years of work I put in, only remembering me when it suited their immediate political goals. I found that frustrating, and frankly, I thought it was foolish for a party to ignore the people who have dedicated themselves to building its foundation’, she declared

Penpushing also reports that Obasanjo reflecting on the missed opportunities for genuine engagement, explained that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) selective approach to loyalty and recognition left her with little choice but to seek a platform where her experience and voice would be consistently respected.

‘They never contacted me at the right time, never valued my insight, and yet expected me to deliver results for them during campaigns. That kind of opportunism is what ultimately pushed me to look elsewhere’, she said.

“I had to ask myself: do I want to remain in a system where I am only seen as useful when convenient, or do I take my experience and my work directly to the people who need it? It was clear to me that I could not continue under those conditions’.

Penpushing reports that she emphasized that her defection, was not a rejection of political engagement but a strategic move to align herself with a platform that recognizes commitment and enables her to make a tangible impact.

The Medical Doctor turned politician also weighed in on the growing national conversation around the possibility of a part-time legislature, stressing that democratic systems must remain flexible and responsive to societal change.

“Nothing in democracy is written in stone. Institutions must evolve as society changes. When certain laws were made, society was at a very different stage of development. Today, realities have changed, and our democratic structures must reflect that’, she said

Penpushing further reports that the Egba born politician used the example of local government funding arrangements to explain how constitutional provisions can become outdated.

“When the constitution was written, many local governments did not have bank branches, so funds were routed through state governments. Today, every local government operates electronically and can access its funds directly. Society has moved on, but our laws have not fully adjusted.”

Penpushing also reports that Obasanjo pointed out that the debate around part-time legislature deserves serious engagement, not emotional reactions, stressing on need for careful examination of the advantages and disadvantages .

“We need proper national conversation, careful examination of the advantages and disadvantages, and honest evaluation of how best to make our legislative process more efficient.”

Penpushing reports that she stated that there is need to support the proposal for reserved legislative seats for women, in Nigeria describing it as a necessary intervention, lamenting that the political system remains structurally unfriendly to women, despite their proven capacity. .

“Reserved seats for women is a good thing. It is good for society, good for democracy, and good for governance. It is a win-win for everyone. The problem is not lack of competence. Women have shown capacity across sectors. The real barriers are cultural, financial, and institutional.”

“In other climes, like in Scandinavia, women have reserved positions and are very active in governance. It works there because society has embraced it, and it strengthens democracy’, she said.

‘I think we can learn from that model giving women opportunities through reserved seats is not charity; it is good governance and ensures we harness the talents and perspectives of half the population.”

Penpushing further reports that Obasanjo reflected on the unique lens through which her political journey is viewed, acknowledging both the opportunities and the scrutiny that come with being the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The Ogun State Governorship aspirant, a veterinarian and  Phd holder described her heritage as a responsibility that shapes her approach to governance and her engagement with the people.

“Being the daughter of a former president is not just a title; it is a responsibility. People expect a certain level of integrity, a certain level of commitment, and I have to ensure that I live up to that every single day. It’s not about taking credit for my father’s achievements—it’s about building on a legacy of service and showing that I can make a difference in my own right.”

Penpushing also reports that she emphasized that her political decisions, including her defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and her alignment with new political movements, are informed by this sense of duty.

“I have to consider the impact of my choices on the people I represent, and I cannot allow personal ambition to overshadow that responsibility. My father’s name opens doors, yes, but it also demands that I perform, that I demonstrate capability, and that I earn the trust of the citizens independently.”

Penpushing reports that Obasanjo highlighted that her lineage has given her a perspective on national politics that is both historical and practical, adding that she grew up seeing the complexities of governance firsthand

‘I grew up seeing the complexities of governance firsthand. That insight informs how I strategize, how I engage with constituents, and how I position myself to lead effectively. It is a constant reminder that leadership is about service, not just symbolism.”

Penpushing further reports that speaking on the politics of power rotation in Ogun State, said there was no legal framework enforcing zoning but insisted that fairness and inclusion demand deliberate political balance.

“There is no law on rotation, but fairness demands that every zone should have the opportunity to produce leadership. Ogun West has never produced a governor, just as Nigeria has never produced a President from the South-East.”

Penpushing also reports that she said leadership must go beyond physical projects to include direct engagement with the people, stressing that politics is about how well you participate in people’s lives, as well as about being accessible, listening, and maintaining constant connection with the grassroots.

The epidemiologists while reflecting on her long political journey, described politics as demanding, rigorous, and deeply sacrificial, adding that politics is not for the faint-hearted.

“Politics is not for the faint-hearted. You must meet people daily, listen to them, and constantly engage. It is physically and emotionally demanding. I have been part of Ogun politics from the start’.

‘I worked closely with Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, and I know the system inside out. I have paid my dues, and I understand what it takes to connect with the people at the grassroots’, Obasanjo added.

‘That experience has given me the capacity to lead effectively, and I believe by 2027 I can organize our people, especially in the West, to produce candidates who truly represent their interests. Politics is about consistency, commitment, and being present in people’s lives—not just doing projects, but really engaging with them every day.”

Penpushing reports that she pointed out that age and experience should translate into mentorship and institutional strengthening, stressing that as one grow older the role should be to help build institutions, mentor younger people, and strengthen democratic culture.

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