ABEOKUTA – In a strategic move to solidify her standing ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial race, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has called for a new era of “empathetic collaboration” among political actors to eliminate electoral violence in Ogun State.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant made this declaration during a high-profile consultative visit to the newly elected leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at its secretariat in Abeokuta on Friday.
Obasanjo, a former Senator and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, emphasized that the heat of electioneering often creates unnecessary friction. She argued that constructive dialogue between rivals is the only safeguard against the chaos that has historically marred Nigerian polls.
”Collaboration reduces tension because it creates room for dialogue,” Obasanjo stated. “Through this, problems can be addressed ahead of time, ensuring that on election day there is no violence or conflict.”
IPAC Draws the Battle Lines
The visit has immediately reshaped the political landscape in the Gateway State. Responding to the Senator’s outreach, the IPAC Chairman, Comrade Abayomi Sanyaolu, issued a stern “tough talk” to other perennial aspirants who have yet to formalize their intentions with the council.
Sanyaolu declared that, as of today, the council—which serves as the umbrella body for all registered political parties—recognizes only three individuals as serious contenders for the 2027 governorship seat:
- Senator Iyabo Obasanjo (APC)
- Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (APC/GNI)
- Amb. Sarafa Tunji Isola
The Chairman warned that IPAC would not acknowledge any “shadow aspirants” who campaign via social media or posters without presenting their blueprints to the council.
”If you have not stepped into the IPAC secretariat to introduce yourself and speak with stakeholders, then you are not known to this body,” Sanyaolu stated. “We don’t want what happened in the past to happen again. We want to know your plans and determine if you are fit to govern.”
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A Crowded Field
The 2027 race is already heating up despite being over a year away. Recent reports indicate heavy financial mobilization across party lines, including a ₦2 million donation by the “Legacy” group to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a similar ₦2 million contribution by “Caucus 7202” toward the nomination forms of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi).
However, by securing early “recognition” from the IPAC leadership, Obasanjo and her two recognized peers have gained a significant psychological and procedural advantage in the race to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun.
