As Nigeria marks Democracy Day on June 12, an APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao popularly called Allow Alao has issued a stark warning: 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule came at an enormous price, and the nation must not take that achievement for granted.
Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao, released a comprehensive statement today calling on Nigerians to remember the sacrifices of key figures who laid the foundation for the Fourth Republic, while also assessing the current administration’s performance and the critical role of electoral reform in sustaining democracy.
In a powerful Democracy Day message, Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao honors fallen heroes, assesses the Tinubu administration’s three-year record, and calls on citizens to safeguard the Fourth Republic
In his message, Engr. Alao emphasized that Nigeria’s democratic journey was not accidental but purchased through the suffering of patriots.
“June 12 belongs to Chief M.K.O. Abiola. He won an election adjudged the freest in our history, yet chose to fight for that mandate instead of taking a shortcut. His years in detention and eventual death in custody remain the highest price paid for the democracy we now celebrate,” Alao said, honoring the late businessman and presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election.
Alao’s tribute extended to four other key figures who, in his words, “gave different forms of sacrifice”:
He recalled in his statement how “Baba OBJ was condemned by a military tribunal and faced death, yet he returned to midwife the 1999 transition. By handing over after two terms, he taught Nigeria that power is borrowed, not owned.”
He further extolled former president Obasanjo’s successor, Late Umaru Musa Yaradua saying “President Yar’Adua came into office through a flawed process but had the courage to admit it and set up electoral reform. His ‘rule of law’ doctrine showed that leadership is about institutions.”
In his comprehensive press release, Allow Alao showered praises on former president Goodluck Jonathan, described his action as heroic. “In 2015, President Jonathan made a phone call that saved Nigeria. By conceding defeat before final results, he proved that no ambition is worth the blood of citizens. That single act institutionalized peaceful transfer of power between parties.”
Allow Alao who also described the political journey of the immediate past president, Late Mohammad Buhari as iconic journey stressed further. “From military detention in 1984 to 12 years as an opposition candidate, General Buhari’s perseverance showed that democracy rewards patience.”
He emphasized that all political actors have contributed immensely to the political development. According to him “Abiola gave his life, Obasanjo gave his freedom, Yar’Adua gave his health, Jonathan gave political capital, Buhari gave years of opposition,” Alao declared. “Because of them, we argue in the National Assembly instead of barracks. That is why June 12 must never be taken for granted.”
Alao also turned his attention to the current administration, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for “bold policy choices aimed at resetting Nigeria’s economy after years of deficits.”
He highlighted some achievements made by the current administration since May 29, 2023 including: Fuel Subsidy Removal, Foreign Exchange Unification, Tax and Fiscal Reforms and Infrastructure and Human Capital
According to him, “Subsidy removal decision was painful but necessary. For decades, subsidy drained resources that should build roads, schools, and hospitals. Redirecting those funds is the only path to fiscal sanity, though government must do more to cushion the impact on the poor.”
On Foreign Exchange Unification, he said collapsing multiple FX windows has restored investor confidence. The naira found its real value, and the forex backlog was cleared. Stability will come with time and increased production” he stressed
Engr. Alao also explained his satisfaction on Tax and Fiscal Reforms saying “The Tax Reform Bills passed by the National Assembly aim to widen the tax net, protect small businesses, and give states more revenue. If implemented well, this reduces our over-dependence on oil.”
In the same vain, he described the level of Infrastructure and Human Capital development embarked upon by the current administration as unprecedented in the history of this country. “Projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and NELFUND student loans show long-term thinking. Infrastructure and education are the twin engines of any lasting democracy.”
However, he lamented the security situation in the country “Insecurity remains our biggest threat, especially banditry and kidnapping. But the renewed operational tempo by our armed forces deserves support. Peace is the foundation of democracy.”
Alao urged patience, acknowledging that “reforms of this magnitude always come with short-term pain. Year 3 should focus on visible relief for citizens while staying the course on long-term fixes.”
Perhaps most significantly, Alao identified the Electoral Act 2022, signed into law by former President Buhari, as the most important legislative legacy for democratic sustainability.
“The Act gave legal backing to BVAS and IReV. In the 2027 elections and subsequent off-cycle polls, all parties – APC, PDP, Labour Party, NNPP and others – had to adapt to accreditation by BVAS and real-time result uploads,” Alao noted.
He observed that the technology has already demonstrated its impact across party lines:
“Ruling and opposition parties alike have won and lost elections under BVAS. That tells us the technology reduces, though does not eliminate, manipulation. When Governor X loses his state despite incumbency, it means the law is working. Direct primaries forced parties to engage more members. Election disputes are now settled more in courts than on the streets.”
However, Alao warned that the Electoral Act is merely a tool, not a miracle.
“Its success depends on INEC’s capacity, security agencies’ neutrality, and politicians’ willingness to play by the rules. For 2027, INEC must fix IReV upload issues, parties must educate agents, and voters must collect PVCs. If we get it right, Nigeria will join the league of nations where elections, not coups, change governments.”
Concluding his message, Alao framed Democracy Day not as a mere public holiday but as a solemn occasion requiring reflection and action.
“Democracy Day is not a public holiday for rice and music alone. It is a day of memory and responsibility. We remember Abiola in detention, Obasanjo on death row, Yar’Adua in hospital, Jonathan taking the painful call, Buhari waiting 12 years. Then we ask ourselves: what are we sacrificing today to keep this democracy alive?”
He issued a direct call to action for various segments of society: calling on youths to participate actively in voters registration and vote during election. He also enjoined Nigerian politicians to respect the rule of law and create a level playing ground for stakeholders in the all party’s affairs; while urging government at all levels to ensure every policy reforms translate to better living standards for every Nigerian.
“The blood of June 12 must not be in vain,” . “The best tribute we can pay is to protect our votes, obey the law, and build a Nigeria where every citizen has hope” Alao concluded.