Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has voiced serious concerns for her safety following a violent attack on a campaign gathering for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The incident, which took place on Monday, has prompted Obasanjo to alert international bodies, including the United Nations and the United States Embassy in Nigeria, about the threats she faces as the January 2027 elections approach.

Obasanjo, who is the PDP candidate for the Ogun Central Senatorial District, described the attack as part of a disturbing trend of political violence. In an interview with Splash FM, she recounted how armed men, reportedly masked and wielding cutlasses, disrupted the campaign event at Ward 16, Trailer Park, Soyooye area, shortly before her arrival. Videos circulating online depict the chaos, showing the assailants dismantling campaign equipment and attacking attendees.

The senator expressed her alarm over the growing hostility, stating, "This is not the first time they are making attempts at my life," referencing a previous assassination attempt during the 2003 elections that claimed the lives of individuals in her convoy. She emphasized the need for immediate action to curb political violence, warning that if her safety is compromised, the world should be aware of who is responsible.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the armed group, consisting of more than ten individuals, invaded the venue, leading to a temporary halt of the campaign activities. When Obasanjo and the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, eventually arrived, they found the site littered with damaged furniture and signs of violence, while some supporters reportedly sustained injuries. The politicians quickly contacted security agencies, including the Ogun State Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS), who later dispatched personnel to the scene.

Initial reports suggested that some supporters were robbed of their mobile phones and other valuables during the attack, although the identity and political affiliations of the attackers remain unverified. The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Seyi Babaseyi, was contacted for comments but could not confirm details at the time.

In her interview, Obasanjo linked the attack to her political history, specifically her departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the PDP. She questioned the ongoing interest of her former associates in her political journey, stating, "They showed clearly they do not want me in APC. They treated me like scum and I left their party for them."

As the political landscape heats up in preparation for the upcoming elections, Obasanjo's statements raise critical questions about the safety of political candidates and their supporters. She called for increased vigilance to ensure a secure electoral process, warning that unchecked violence could jeopardize public confidence in the integrity of the elections.