A coalition of five governorship aspirants in Oyo State – H.E. Engr. Rauf Aderemi Olaniyan, Dr. Ololade Usman Bakare, Barr. Akeem Agbaje, Prince Musbau Asatola Asanike and Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao) — has congratulated residents on the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, while expressing concern that democracy in the state has not been nurtured with sincerity and justice.
In a joint message released Friday, the group said Democracy Day “should serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made for civilian rule,” but lamented that “the ideals of accountability and fairness remain largely unfulfilled in Oyo State.” The statement, signed by Engr. Remi Olaniyan, Dr. Usman Bakare, Barr. Hakeem Agbaje, Prince Kola Asatola Asanike and Engr Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao) added that the current political climate is one where “citizens’ expectations of good governance are yet to be met.”
The aspirants argued that democracy “goes beyond periodic elections and must reflect in transparent leadership, equitable distribution of resources, and respect for the rule of law.” They maintained that the absence of these values “has left many residents disillusioned, despite decades of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria.”
Addressing their supporters across the 33 local government areas, the group urged them to “remain steadfast and not lose hope in the political process.” The release asked members of their political family to “stay peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to constructive engagement ahead of future elections.”
The aspirants called on their supporters to “keep faith in the vision of President Bola Tinubu,” expressing confidence that ongoing national reforms would soon yield positive results. “The present darkness will break into day very soon,” the statement read, echoing the President’s repeated assurances of a turnaround on economic and security challenges.
The group appealed to political actors in Oyo State to “put the interest of the people above partisan gain.” They stated that “true democracy thrives when leaders listen to the governed, prioritize welfare, and create an environment where opposition voices are not stifled but seen as part of development.”
The statement then charged Oyo residents to “use the Democracy Day period for reflection and rededication to the principles of freedom, justice, and service.” The five aspirants pledged to “continue working within democratic structures to offer what they called a credible alternative rooted in sincerity and the rule of law.”Tagged Akeem Agbaje, Democracy Day, Musbau Asanike, Ololade Bakare, Oyedele Alao, Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan