Iyabo Obasanjo, a governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State, has emphasized the need for collaboration among political stakeholders to reduce tension and prevent violence during elections.
She stated this on Friday, during a visit to the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abeokuta, as part of her consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The former Ogun commissioner for health opined that constructive dialogue and open communication are key to ensuring peaceful electoral processes.
She added that it will also foster understanding among political parties and strengthen democracy, stability in the state.
Obasanjo said, “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. That, I believe, is the essence of empathetic collaboration.”
Speaking to journalists shortly after the meeting, the IPAC Chairman, Abayomi Sanyaolu, noted that the council comprises of chairmen of all registered political parties in the state, and serves as a unifying platform where aspirants are expected to present their plans and vision for governance.
Sanyaolu disclosed that only Iyabo Obasanjo, Gboyega Isiaka, and former ambassador to UK, Sarafa Tunji Isola, are recognised by the council as potential state governors.
He opined that any individual claiming to be a governorship aspirant without formally appearing before the council is not recognized by IPAC.
The IPAC chairman said, “As it stands today, we recognize only three aspirants. We have Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, we have Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, and we have Sarafa. We do not have four or five for now.
“All the political parties are together in this body, no matter where they belong. So if you want to govern a state, the Inter-Party Advisory Council stands to know your plans, whether you are able to govern or not. Because we don’t want what has happened in the past to happen again.
“If you have not stepped into the IPAC secretariat to introduce yourself and speak with stakeholders, then you are not known to this body. We expect all serious aspirants, regardless of their political parties, to come forward.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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