APC: Iyabo Obasanjo Backs Consensus Approach Ahead Of 2027 Elections

Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has defended the use of consensus to select candidates ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that the method produces stronger, more electable candidates.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, the former Ogun Central lawmaker dismissed concerns that consensus could override the wishes of party members, insisting that parties naturally prioritise candidates with broad public appeal.

“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. No party wants to lose, so the party will not choose people who open them for a loss; does that make sense?” she said.

According to her, political parties are ultimately driven by the goal of winning elections and would be unlikely to field candidates lacking grassroots support.

“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. 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,” she added.

Obasanjo expressed confidence that the approach would favour her as she seeks the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Ogun State.

She recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections and said her record in public service positions her strongly in the race. She also reiterated her earlier stance that she remains a formidable contender in the Ogun governorship contest.

In a previous appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, the 59-year-old politician spoke about family support, including that of her father, former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“I don’t think at this age I should be consulting them for everything in my career move. 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,” she said.

The Electoral Act recognises both consensus and direct primaries as valid methods for selecting candidates, a provision that continues to shape party strategies ahead of the next general election.

Meanwhile, the APC has confirmed it will adopt the consensus method to select its national leadership at its convention scheduled for March 27–28, 2026, in Abuja.