Ogun 2027: Iyabo Obasanjo seeks stakeholder collaboration to curb electoral violence

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, has called for stronger collaboration among political stakeholders as a way to reduce tension and prevent electoral violence ahead of the 2027 elections.

The first child of former President Olusegun Obasanjo made the appeal on Friday during a stakeholders’ engagement with the state chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the council’s secretariat in Abeokuta.

Speaking at the event, the former Commissioner for Health and trained epidemiologist noted that constructive dialogue and open communication among political actors are essential for ensuring peaceful electoral processes.

She explained that fostering understanding among political parties and stakeholders would help strengthen democracy and promote stability in the state and the country at large.

“Collaboration reduces tension because it creates room for dialogue and open discussion of issues. Through this, problems can be addressed ahead of time, ensuring that on election day, there is no violence or conflict,” Obasanjo said.

“That, I believe, is the essence of empathetic collaboration, which I want all of us to be conscious of as we draw closer to the 2027 elections and beyond.”

The University of Ibadan-trained veterinary doctor added that her visit to the IPAC secretariat was meant to demonstrate her readiness to lead with a strong sense of responsibility as the next governor of the state.

She said her decades of experience, both within and outside politics, have prepared her to run a government focused on job creation through industrialisation and agricultural development, investment in digital skills, and improved healthcare and education.

IPAC recognises three aspirants

Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, IPAC Chairman in Ogun State, Abayomi Sanyaolu, said the council currently recognises only three governorship aspirants in the state: Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, and former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji Isola.

Sanyaolu explained that the recognition is strictly based on formal engagement with IPAC, noting that only aspirants who have officially visited and interacted with the body are acknowledged.

He stressed that IPAC, which comprises chairmen of all registered political parties in the state, serves as a unifying platform where aspirants are expected to present their plans and vision for governance.

According to him, any individual claiming to be a governorship aspirant without formally appearing before the council would not be recognised by IPAC.

“As it stands today, we recognise only three aspirants: Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, and Sarafa Tunji Isola. We do not have four or five for now,” Sanyaolu said.

He advised all serious aspirants, regardless of party affiliation, to come forward and engage with the council to ensure a more transparent and peaceful electoral process ahead of 2027.