Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has backed the use of consensus in selecting candidates ahead of the 2027 general election, saying the method produces electable candidates rather than unpopular choices.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Obasanjo dismissed concerns that consensus could sideline the wishes of party members, insisting that political parties would always consider popularity when choosing candidates
“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, parties are primarily driven by the need to win elections and would not risk presenting candidates who lack 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.
The former Ogun Central senator expressed confidence that the system would work in her favour as she eyes the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State.
Obasanjo, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, said her track record in public office gives her an edge in the race.
She also reiterated her belief in her political strength, recalling her earlier remarks that she remains a formidable contender in the Ogun governorship contest.
In an earlier appearance on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief, the 59-year-old politician said she was confident of receiving 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. 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 consensus and direct primaries as modes of candidate selection for political parties, a development that has continued to shape internal party strategies ahead of the next general election.
PUNCH Online reports that the APC has confirmed that it will adopt the consensus approach for selecting its national leadership during the party’s convention scheduled for March 27–28, 2026, in Abuja.