Senator Obasanjo Advocates for Consensus in Candidate Selection for 2027 Elections
Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has voiced strong support for the use of consensus as a primary method for selecting candidates in the lead-up to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. She argues that this approach is more effective in identifying electable individuals, thereby preventing the nomination of candidates who lack broad appeal or popular backing.
Speaking in a recent television interview, Obasanjo addressed concerns that consensus mechanisms might disenfranchise party members or override their genuine preferences. She maintained that political parties, inherently driven by the desire to secure electoral victories, will always prioritize popularity when making candidate choices.
“I do believe that consensus can bring the right candidates because consensus does not mean that leadership ignores the will of the people; consensus means that they look at what the people are saying,” Obasanjo explained. “No party wants to lose, so the party will not choose people who open them for a loss; does that make sense?”
Her reasoning is rooted in the fundamental objective of any political party: to win elections. According to Obasanjo, parties are unlikely to risk presenting candidates who demonstrably lack grassroots support or a proven ability to connect with voters on the ground.
“So, the consensus is going to come towards people that can actually win on the ground, if that makes sense, because at the end of the day, the party wants to win,” she elaborated. “So, they do not want to put the least popular person as the consensus candidate in a way that is going to aggravate the other participants and in a way that is going to discourage people that are popular from participating. So, I have full belief that consensus is the way to go.”
Gubernatorial Ambitions and Political Track Record
The former senator for Ogun Central expressed significant confidence that the consensus system would work in her favour as she aims to secure the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State. Obasanjo recently transitioned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, a move made in anticipation of the 2027 electoral contests.
She highlighted her extensive track record in public service as a key advantage in her bid for the governorship. Obasanjo reiterated her belief in her own political fortitude, recalling earlier statements where she positioned herself as a formidable contender in the Ogun gubernatorial race.
In a prior appearance on a separate television program, the 59-year-old politician shared her optimism about receiving unwavering support from her parents, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“I don’t think at this age I should be consulting them for everything in my career move,” she stated. “What I have said is that my father, I know, and my mother will vote for me; that’s all that I can ask of them. Even if I don’t ask, they will vote for me; that I can guarantee.”
Electoral Framework and Party Strategies
The recognition of consensus and direct primaries as legitimate modes of candidate selection by the Electoral Act is a significant development that continues to influence internal party strategies as Nigeria approaches the next general election.
Reports indicate that the APC has formally confirmed its intention to adopt the consensus approach for selecting its national leadership. This decision is slated to be implemented during the party’s convention, which is scheduled to take place in Abuja from March 27th to 28th, 2026. This move underscores the growing trend towards consensus-building within political parties as a means of streamlining candidate emergence and potentially fostering unity.
The emphasis on consensus, as championed by Senator Obasanjo, reflects a broader strategic consideration within political parties to nominate candidates who are not only popular but also possess the perceived ability to secure victory at the polls. This approach aims to balance the internal democratic processes of a party with the overarching goal of electoral success, ensuring that candidates presented to the electorate have a strong chance of winning. The implications of this method for internal party democracy and broader electoral outcomes are subjects of ongoing discussion and observation within Nigeria’s political landscape.
