Prior to the 2027 general elections, former Ogun Central Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has stated that he is in favor of using consensus to choose candidates for political positions since it can result in leaders who are both credible and electable.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Obasanjo, who is running for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Ogun State, revealed this.
The daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo downplayed worries that unpopular candidates would be imposed as a result of the consensus system.
Consensus, in her opinion, does not mean that party leaders disregard members’ or voters’ opinions.
“I do think that consensus can bring the right candidates because it doesn’t mean that leadership ignores the will of the people; it means that they look at what the people are saying,” she stated.
Political parties typically follow electoral realities when reaching a consensus, she continued.
“No party wants to lose, so the party will not choose people that open them for a loss; does that make sense?” said Obasanjo.
“Therefore, since the party ultimately wants to win, the consensus will shift in favor of those who can truly prevail on the ground.”
Additionally, Obasanjo stated that she was confident the agreement will benefit her in the contest for the Ogun State APC governorship.
The former senator stated that her popularity and prior experience in public service could improve her chances.
She claimed to have supported developmental projects for her constituents using the money she received while serving as a senator.
Earlier this month, the 59-year-old lawmaker spoke on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief and voiced optimism about her chances of winning the 2027 governorship.
She characterized herself as a serious candidate for the position.
Obasanjo, who recently joined the APC in front of the 2027 elections after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party, also discussed the support she anticipates from her parents.
“I am almost 60; I think that at this age, my friends who still have both parents alive are very few, so I consider myself lucky to have both my mother and my father alive,” she added.
“At this age, I don’t think I should be consulting them for every professional decision. I’ve stated that my mother and father will vote for me; that’s all I can hope for.
“I can assure you that even if I don’t ask, they will vote for me,” she continued.
Amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act, which currently permits only two systems of choosing candidates—direct primaries and consensus—have sparked a new discussion over consensus.
The new law eliminates the option of indirect primaries, which numerous political parties had previously utilized.
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