The daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Iyabo Obasanjo, has expressed her support for the use of consensus in selecting candidates for political offices ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to her, this method can produce credible and electable leaders. Obasanjo, a former Ogun Central Senator, made this known on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily.
She dismissed concerns that the consensus system could lead to the imposition of unpopular candidates. Instead, she argued that consensus does not imply ignoring the views of members or the electorate. Obasanjo stated that parties are guided by electoral realities when adopting a consensus, and that this approach can lead to the selection of candidates who are likely to win.
The former senator cited her own popularity and previous public service experience as factors that could strengthen her chances in the race for the APC governorship ticket in Ogun State. She expressed confidence that the consensus arrangement would work in her favour.
Obasanjo also spoke about the support she expects from her parents, who she believes will vote for her in the election. The renewed debate over consensus follows amendments to Nigeria's Electoral Act, which now allows only two methods for selecting candidates, direct primaries and consensus.
Iyabo Obasanjo's endorsement of consensus candidate selection is a significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. Her argument that consensus can produce electable leaders is a pragmatic approach, especially given the electoral realities that parties face. However, the removal of indirect primaries under the new Electoral Act has raised concerns about the potential for unpopular candidates to be imposed. Obasanjo's confidence in the consensus arrangement is understandable, given her own popularity and experience. Nevertheless, the success of this approach will depend on the willingness of party leaders to listen to their members and the electorate.
