By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
Civil society organisations and media groups in Ogun State have launched the OGUN 2027 CONVERSATION, a non-partisan platform designed to promote issue-based dialogue and public accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The initiative was unveiled on Monday at the NUJ Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta, where its Chairman, Comr. ’Yinka Folarin, presented a joint statement on behalf of the participating organisations.
Folarin said the platform was established to provide a sustained avenue for dialogue among governorship and senatorial candidates, electoral institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders on issues affecting the state.
He explained that the initiative would provide opportunities for traditional and community leaders, youths, women, persons with disabilities and the general electorate to engage political actors and demand clear responses to the challenges confronting Ogun.
According to him, a major component of the programme would be interactive sessions with governorship and senatorial candidates of political parties registered and recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), subject to relevant electoral and nomination requirements.
Folarin said the discussions would focus on substantive issues rather than political slogans, rhetoric and personality-driven campaigns. Key areas, he noted, would include good governance, accountability, security, human rights, youth development, employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, poverty reduction, grassroots development, gender inclusion, disability rights and electoral integrity.
He said candidates would be expected to present specific and measurable commitments to the people, stressing that voters deserved to understand not only those seeking their votes but also their plans and priorities if elected.
The chairman added that the platform would engage INEC on preparations for the 2027 elections, electoral regulations, voter participation, accreditation, electoral technology, election-day procedures, collation and transmission of results, as well as measures to build public confidence in the electoral process.
He said security agencies would also be engaged on issues surrounding peaceful elections, prevention of political violence, protection of voters and electoral officials, security neutrality, citizens’ rights, and early warning and response mechanisms.
According to him, the initiative would extend its activities to the grassroots through consultations with traditional and religious leaders, community leaders, youth and women groups, professional associations, market and transport unions, persons with disabilities and community-based organisations.
Folarin stressed that the OGUN 2027 CONVERSATION was not established to support or campaign for any political party or candidate, assuring that all eligible parties and candidates would be treated fairly based on the principles of equality, transparency, inclusion and non-discrimination.
He also called on political actors and their supporters to shun hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, violence and intimidation, urging them to conduct their campaigns responsibly.
Folarin said the initiative would remain relevant beyond the campaigns and elections by documenting commitments made by candidates and stakeholders, raising public awareness and encouraging elected representatives to remain accountable to the people.
“The 2027 elections must be more than a contest for political offices. They must be an opportunity for the people to interrogate the quality of leadership they desire and the future they want for Ogun State,” he said.
The organisers urged political parties, candidates, INEC, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society and media organisations, labour and professional bodies, youth and women groups, persons with disabilities and other citizens to actively participate in the initiative.
The statement was jointly endorsed by representatives of the Peace Initiative Network, Community Education Advancement of Peace and Development Initiative, Consumer Protection Advocacy Initiative, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities, Women Against Violent Extremism, Donmary Human and Community Enhancement Initiative, Civil Liberties Organisation and Global Support for Kids Initiative.
