By James Ogunnaike Abeokuta

Civil society organisations and media groups in Ogun State have launched the ‘Ogun 2027 Conversation’, a non-partisan platform designed to engage governorship and senatorial candidates, electoral authorities, security agencies and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The initiative was unveiled on Monday, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta.

The organisers said the platform would provide a sustained space for dialogue, public accountability and citizen engagement, with emphasis on issues rather than personality-driven campaigns.

According to them, the initiative would bring together political candidates, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, traditional and community leaders, youth and women groups, persons with disabilities and other stakeholders.

The organisers said credible, peaceful and inclusive elections could not be achieved by political parties and electoral institutions alone, stressing that all stakeholders had roles to play in determining the quality and outcome of the 2027 electoral process.

A statement signed by the Chairman of Ogun 2027 Conversation, Comr. ’Yinka Folarin, and other leaders of participating organisations, said the platform would engage candidates seeking governorship and senatorial seats under political parties duly registered and recognised by INEC, subject to applicable electoral and nomination processes.

The statement said: “Ogun 2027 Conversation intends to provide an equal, credible and transparent platform where candidates can articulate their visions, policy priorities, programmes and commitments to the people of Ogun State.”

The organisers said the conversations would focus on issues including good governance, accountability and transparency; human rights and security; youth development and employment; education and healthcare; economic development and poverty reduction; infrastructure; local government administration; gender inclusion; disability inclusion; electoral integrity; peacebuilding; respect for the rule of law and accountable use of public resources.

They added that candidates would be encouraged to make “clear, measurable and publicly accountable commitments” to the electorate.

The organisers said the platform was founded on the belief that voters should be able to assess not only candidates seeking their votes, but also the policies and programmes they intend to pursue if elected.

The initiative will also engage INEC on its preparations for the 2027 elections, electoral regulations, voter participation, accreditation, electoral technology, election-day procedures, collation and transmission of results, as well as mechanisms for improving public confidence in the electoral process.

The organisers said the engagement would seek greater clarity and transparency from the electoral management body while helping citizens understand their rights and responsibilities.

Security agencies are also expected to participate in conversations on peaceful elections, prevention of political violence, protection of voters and electoral personnel, security neutrality, citizens’ rights, early warning and response mechanisms, and collaboration among security institutions, civil society, the media and communities.

The organisers would advocate for a security environment in which citizens could vote freely and safely “without intimidation or discrimination, irrespective of their political affiliation.”

Beyond Abeokuta and other urban centres, the organisers said the initiative would extend its engagements to grassroots communities across the state.

Traditional and religious institutions, community leaders, youth and women groups, professional associations, market and transport unions, persons with disabilities, community-based organisations and other stakeholders are expected to participate.

The organisers said democracy should not be reduced to conversations among political elites in urban centres.

“The voices, concerns and aspirations of ordinary citizens across Ogun State must be heard, respected and reflected in the democratic process,” they said.

The group stressed that the initiative was not established to endorse or campaign for any political party or candidate.

It said all eligible political parties and candidates would be treated fairly and given opportunities to participate in accordance with the principles of equality, transparency, inclusion and non-discrimination.

The organisers also called on political actors and their supporters to conduct their campaigns responsibly and reject hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, violence and intimidation.

The initiative identified civil society and the media as critical partners in strengthening democratic participation.

While civil society organisations would contribute expertise in human rights, democratic governance, peacebuilding, conflict prevention, accountability and citizen participation, the media would provide platforms for civic education, public information, balanced reporting and issue-based discourse.

The organisers said the partnership would help ensure that the 2027 electoral conversation remained “people-centred, issue-driven, evidence-based and focused on the future of Ogun State.”

They further disclosed that the initiative would continue beyond the campaigns and elections by documenting commitments made by candidates and other stakeholders and encouraging elected officials to remain accountable to citizens.

“The ultimate objective is to strengthen the relationship between citizens, political leadership and democratic institutions, while promoting a culture in which public office is understood as a responsibility and not merely an opportunity for political power,” the statement said.

The organisers urged political parties, candidates, INEC, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, organised labour, professional bodies, youth and women organisations, persons with disabilities and residents of Ogun State to participate actively in the initiative.

The organisers said the 2027 elections should go beyond competition for political offices and provide an opportunity for citizens to interrogate the quality of leadership they want for the state.

“The people deserve to hear from the candidates. The candidates must listen to the people. Institutions must be accountable to the people. The media must inform the people. Civil society must continue to advocate for the people. And every stakeholder must commit to a peaceful, credible and inclusive electoral process,” they said.

The initiative is supported by civil society organisations working in human rights, democracy, peacebuilding and sustainable security, in collaboration with media organisations.