- Westo Adekunle Adejumo | Premier Word News
Abuja, Nigeria – Senator (Prof.) Iyabo Obasanjo has thrown her weight behind the consensus method of candidate selection ahead of the 2027 general elections, asserting that the process naturally produces popular and electable candidates rather than weak or unpopular choices.
Speaking during an appearance on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, the former Ogun Central senator dismissed concerns that consensus could override the will of party members.
“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“, she said.
According to her, political parties are fundamentally driven by the imperative to win elections and would therefore avoid presenting candidates lacking grassroots appeal.
“No party wants to lose, so the party will not choose people who open them for a loss; consensus is going to come towards people that can actually win on the ground”, she added.
Iyabo Obasanjo further emphasized that the process would not favour unpopular aspirants, noting that consensus decisions are shaped by broad-based acceptability within party structures.
“They do not want to put the least popular person as the consensus candidate; I have full belief that consensus is the way to go”, she stated.
Her remarks come amid growing indications that the All Progressives Congress may adopt consensus in determining key positions, following confirmation that the party will use the method for its national convention scheduled for March 27 – 28, 2026, in Abuja.
The governorship aspirant, who recently joined the APC, expressed confidence that the system would work in her favour, citing her track record in public service and widespread grassroots acceptance.
Premier World News notes that Obasanjo’s rising popularity across the state has been largely organic, driven by her visibility, engagement and legacy of service, rather than monetized political mobilization, reinforcing her image as a humane and credible contender.
She also reiterated her confidence in her political strength, recalling her assertion that she remains a formidable aspirant in the Ogun governorship race.
In a related media appearance on The Morning Brief, Iyabo Obasanjo spoke on family support, stating that while she values her parents’ backing, her political journey is anchored on independent conviction.
“I know my father and my mother will vote for me, that I can guarantee”, she said, referring to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Premier World News reports that with the Electoral Act recognizing consensus as a legitimate mode of candidate selection, alongside direct primaries, the debate continues to shape internal party dynamics as political actors position for 2027.
Premier World News also reports that Iyabo Obasanjo’s pathway appears to be a combination of competence, credibility, and growing public acceptance, aligning naturally with the logic of consensus politics.
