Civil society organisations and media groups in Ogun State have launched the OGUN 2027 CONVERSATION, an initiative aimed at facilitating non-partisan, issue-based engagement with governorship and senatorial candidates, electoral institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The initiative was unveiled at the NUJ Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta, on Monday, with the joint statement presented by the Chairman of the OGUN 2027 CONVERSATION, Comr. ’Yinka Folarin.

Presenting the statement, Folarin said the initiative was conceived as a platform for sustained dialogue, public accountability and democratic engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the platform would provide opportunities for political candidates, electoral institutions, security agencies, civil society, the media, traditional and community leaders, youth, women, persons with disabilities and the wider electorate to engage on issues affecting the state.

According to him, a major component of the initiative would be conversations with governorship and senatorial candidates of political parties duly registered and recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, subject to applicable electoral and nomination processes.

Folarin said the conversations would move beyond political rhetoric, slogans and personality-driven campaigns to substantive issues, including good governance, accountability, security, human rights, youth development, employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, poverty reduction, grassroots development, gender inclusion, disability rights and electoral integrity.

He added that candidates would be encouraged to make clear, measurable and publicly accountable commitments to the people of Ogun State, stressing that voters deserved to know not only who was seeking their votes but also what each candidate intended to do if elected.

The initiative, he said, would also 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 mechanisms for strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.

Folarin said security agencies would equally be engaged on peaceful elections, prevention of political violence, protection of voters and electoral personnel, security neutrality, citizens’ rights and early warning and response mechanisms.

He said the conversation would also be taken to the grassroots through engagements with traditional and religious leaders, community leaders, youth and women groups, professional associations, market and transport unions, persons with disabilities and community-based organisations.

The organisers stressed that the initiative was not established to endorse, promote or campaign for any political party or candidate, promising that all eligible political parties and candidates would be treated fairly in accordance with the principles of equality, transparency, inclusion and non-discrimination.

Folarin also urged political actors and their supporters to reject hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, violence and intimidation, and conduct their campaigns responsibly.

He said the initiative would continue beyond the campaigns and elections by documenting commitments made by candidates and other stakeholders, promoting 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,” Folarin said.

The organisers called on political parties, candidates, INEC, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, media organisations, labour, professional bodies, youth and women organisations, persons with disabilities and all citizens to participate actively in the initiative.

The statement was jointly endorsed by representatives of 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.