Christianah Alade/ Rasheedat Mufutau/ Adetutu Adekanmbi(Interns)
The Civil Society and Media organisations have collaborated with other stakeholders to engage Governorship, Senatorial Candidates and key stakeholders in Ogun State on conversation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Penpushing reports that the engagement tagged, ‘OGUN 2027 CONVERSATION’ is a joint initiative brought together by Civil Society organizations working on Human Rights, Democracy, Peacebuilding and Sustainable Security, in collaboration with Media Organizations’, to facilitate sustained, inclusive and non-partisan engagement ahead of the elections in the state.
The engagement is being brought together by Comrade ’Yinka Folarin (Chairman), Dr. Femi Michael Sodipo (Executive Director, Peace Initiative Network), Mr. Adesina Adefolahan (Executive Director, Community Education Advancement of Peace and Development Initiative, Mr.Ola Animashaun (Coordinator, Consumer Protection Advocacy Initiative) Comrade Ali Adeshina (State Secretary, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights) and Mr. Ayo Awobona(Chairman, Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities).
Penpushing further reports that others include Mrs. Adebola Adeniji (State Coordinator, Women Against Violent Extremism), Mrs. Oladoyin Agboola (Executive Director, Donmary Human and community Enhancement Initiative) Comrade Molade Gabriel Abiola (Chairman (Civil Liberties Organization), and Mr. Soleye Akingbade (Country Director, Global Support for Kids Initiative)
The Chairman of the group addressing journalists at Iwe-Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta alongside other members explained that the initiative was conceived as an issue-driven platform for dialogue, public accountability and democratic engagement.
Penpushing also reports that he said its aimed in providing space for meaningful interaction among political candidates, electoral institutions, security agencies, civil society, media, traditional and community leaders, youth, women, persons with disabilities and the wider electorate.
‘The OGUN 2027 CONVERSATION recognizes that credible, peaceful and inclusive elections are not the responsibility of political parties and electoral institutions alone. They require the collective commitment of all stakeholders whose decisions, actions and conduct will shape the quality, credibility and peaceful outcome of the 2027 electoral process’, he added.
Penpushing reports that Folarin stated that a major component of the initiative will be a Civil Society and Media Conversation with candidates seeking the governorship and senatorial seats in Ogun State under political parties duly registered and recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), subject to applicable electoral and nomination processes.
‘The OGUN 2027 CONVERSATION intend to provide an equal, credible and transparent platform where candidates can articulate their visions, policy priorities, programs and commitments to the people of Ogun State’.
Penpushing further reports that he said the conversations will move beyond political rhetoric, slogans and personality-driven campaigns to substantive issues affecting the people, including: good governance, accountability and transparency; Human rights, security and community safety; youth development, skills acquisition and employment; and education and healthcare.
The chairman added it include economic development and poverty reduction; Infrastructure and sustainable urban and rural development; local government administration and grassroots development; ender inclusion and meaningful participation of women in governance; inclusion of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups; and electoral integrity and democratic accountability
Penpushing also reports that Folarin said it equally includes peacebuilding and prevention of political violence; respect for the rule of law and constitutional governance; and effective and accountable use of public resources for the common good, adding that candidates will be encouraged to make clear, measurable and publicly accountable commitments to the people of Ogun State.
‘The OGUN 2027 CONVERSATION believe that voters deserve to know not only who is seeking their votes, but also what each candidate intends to do with the mandate if elected’, Folarin added.
Penpushing reports that he disclosed that the Ogun 2027 conversation will engage the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on preparations for the 2027 elections, electoral regulations, voter participation, accreditation, electoral technology, election-day procedures, collation and transmission of results, and mechanisms for strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
‘The platform will seek greater clarity, transparency and accountability from the electoral management body while encouraging citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities within the electoral process’.
‘Recognizing the critical role of security agencies in protecting the electoral process, the initiative will facilitate a Conversation with Security Agencies on peaceful elections, prevention of political violence, protection of voters and electoral personnel, security neutrality, citizens’ rights during elections, early warning and early response mechanisms, and effective collaboration between security institutions, civil society, the media and communities’.
‘The OGUN 2027 CONVERSATION will particularly advocate for a security environment in which citizens can vote freely, safely and without intimidation or discrimination, irrespective of their political affiliation’.
Penpushing further reports that he stated that the initiative will also take the conversation to the grassroots through engagements with traditional institutions, religious leaders, community leaders, youth and women groups, professional associations, market and transport unions, persons with disabilities, community-based organizations, the media and other critical stakeholders.
‘This is premised on the understanding that democracy must not be reduced to conversations among political elites in urban centers. The voices, concerns and aspirations of ordinary citizens across Ogun State must be heard, respected and reflected in the democratic process’.
Penpushing also reports that Folarin explained that the initiative is not established to endorse, promote or campaign for any political party or candidate, stressing that it is a non-partisan civil society and media platform committed to creating space for dialogue, accountability, peaceful political participation and issue-based engagement.
‘All eligible political parties and candidates will be treated fairly and provided opportunities for engagement in accordance with the principles of equality, transparency, inclusion and non-discrimination’, he assured.
‘The initiative will also encourage political actors and their supporters to conduct their campaigns responsibly, reject hate speech, misinformation and disinformation, and refrain from violence, intimidation and other practices capable of undermining democratic stability’.
‘The OGUN 2027 CONVERSATION recognizes the complementary roles of Civil Society organizations and the Media in strengthening democracy. While civil society organizations will contribute their expertise in human rights, democratic governance, peacebuilding, conflict prevention, accountability and citizen participation, the media will provide platforms for public information, civic education, balanced reporting, issue-based discourse and wider dissemination of candidates’ commitments and stakeholders’ positions’.
‘Together, civil society and the media will help ensure that the 2027 electoral conversation is people-centered, issue-driven, evidence-based and focused on the future of Ogun State’, Folarin said.
Penpushing reports that he stated that the OGUN 2027 CONVERSATION will not end with the political campaigns or the elections, stressing that the body envisage a sustained process that will document commitments made by candidates and other stakeholders, promote public awareness, facilitate citizen engagement and encourage elected representatives to remain accountable to the people.
‘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 OGUN 2027 CONVERSATION is brought together by Civil Society organizations working on Human Rights, Democracy, Peacebuilding and Sustainable Security, in collaboration with Media organizations, because we believe that Ogun State can demonstrate that electoral politics can be conducted through dialogue rather than division; issues rather than insults; ideas rather than intimidation; and peaceful competition rather than violence’.
‘We therefore call on political parties, candidates, INEC, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organizations, media organizations, organized labour, professional bodies, youth and women organizations, community leaders, persons with disabilities and all citizens of Ogun State to embrace the initiative and participate actively in the conversations’.
‘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’.
‘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’.
‘The OGUN 2027 CONVERSATION is therefore a call to collective responsibility. Let us converse. Let us interrogate. Let us demand accountability. Let us build peace. Let us protect democracy. OGUN 2027: Our state, our democracy, our future’ Folarin emphasized
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
