“I Will Win”, Iyabo Obasanjo defends consensus politics in Ogun guber race

Iyabo Obasanjo has defended consensus candidate selection as a practical and democratic strategy for political parties, arguing that it reflects the will of the people rather than undermining it. Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, she maintained that parties naturally gravitate toward candidates with the strongest chances of winning, noting that no party would deliberately impose an unpopular aspirant. “I am a formidable candidate to beat and I will win,” she said, underscoring her confidence ahead of the Ogun State governorship race.

She explained that consensus does not ignore voters but instead aligns party decisions with grassroots realities, ensuring that candidates enjoy broad acceptability before emerging. According to her, parties are driven by the need to win elections, and this compels them to settle for individuals who can perform strongly at the polls without alienating other aspirants or discouraging participation. In her view, consensus helps to avoid internal divisions that could weaken a party’s chances in a highly competitive political environment.

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Obasanjo contrasted this with indirect primaries, where a small group of party officials and delegates determine candidates, a process she described as vulnerable to manipulation. Because delegates are few and easily identifiable, they can be influenced through financial inducements or political pressure, often giving an advantage to wealthier aspirants. This, she argued, risks sidelining more popular candidates in favour of those with deeper pockets, thereby weakening the credibility of the process.

While direct primaries offer broader participation by allowing all party members to vote, she noted that they are difficult to organise and manage effectively, especially in large and diverse states. The logistical and financial burden of conducting such exercises can strain party resources and create room for irregularities. As a result, consensus emerges as a middle-ground approach that balances inclusiveness with practicality while reducing the excessive influence of money.

She acknowledged that lobbying remains a natural part of any democratic system, whether through consensus, direct, or indirect primaries. Interest groups, community leaders, and stakeholders will always advocate for their preferred candidates, but she insisted that consensus limits the extent to which financial power alone can determine outcomes. Instead, it prioritises credibility, public trust, and the ability to mobilise voters on the ground.

Addressing concerns about incumbency advantage, Obasanjo said holding public office does not automatically guarantee electoral success. Although incumbents may have greater visibility and access to constituents, she stressed that voters are increasingly guided by performance and competence rather than financial incentives or political status. She expressed confidence in the electorate’s ability to make informed choices, noting that public dissatisfaction with underperforming leaders often outweighs any advantages they may have.

Ultimately, she argued that consensus candidate selection remains a viable and strategic option for political parties seeking unity and electoral success. By focusing on candidates who command widespread support and demonstrate clear winning potential, parties can strengthen their internal cohesion while presenting a credible alternative to voters.