By Kunle Osota
As Nigeria marks the 2026 Democracy Day, the Ogun State Chapter of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has extended its warmest felicitations to the residents of the Gateway State, urging them to remain steadfast in their commitment to democratic ideals despite the prevailing socio-economic challenges across the nation.
In an official press statement released in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Chairman of the DLA, Alh. Moshood Adesina, described the historic significance of June 12 as a permanent reminder of the power of the collective will of the Nigerian people, emphasizing that the sacrifices of past heroes must not be in vain.
Alh. Adesina noted that Democracy Day is not merely an annual ritual of public holidays and political speeches, but a profound moment of national introspection where both leaders and citizens must evaluate the journey of governance, accountability, and the preservation of fundamental human rights.
The DLA leader paid glowing tribute to the martyrs of democratic struggles in Nigeria, particularly Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola, an illustrious son of Ogun State whose historic mandate in the June 12, 1993 presidential election became the foundation upon which the current democratic dispensation was built.
He remarked that Ogun State remains the cradle of Nigeria’s progressive political consciousness, having produced visionary leaders who fought relentlessly against military dictatorship to secure the civil liberties, free expression, and constitutional governance currently enjoyed in the country.
Expressing concern over contemporary political issues, Alh. Adesina asserted that true democracy must translate into tangible social welfare, economic security, and accessible infrastructural development for the common man, rather than serving as an instrument for elite enrichment.
The Chairman criticized the growing disconnect between the ruling political class and the grassroots, observing that the soaring cost of living, high unemployment rates, and persistent inflation have severely tested the resilience and patience of the average resident of Ogun State.
He emphasized that the core philosophy of the Democratic Leadership Alliance is anchored on fostering transformative, youthful, and ethical leadership that prioritizes human capital development, technological innovation, and absolute accountability at all tiers of government.
Alh. Adesina called on the Ogun State government to deepen its engagement with local communities by initiating institutional reforms that empower small-scale farmers, local artisans, and tech-driven youth enterprises to tackle the localized economic hardship.
He stressed that a society cannot claim to be fully democratic when the youth, who constitute the vast majority of the population, are systematically excluded from the tables of decision-making, policy formulation, and active political representation.
The DLA chief reassured the citizens that his party is strategically positioning itself across the twenty local government areas of Ogun State as a robust, progressive alternative dedicated to restoring governance to the people through transparent civic participation.
Addressing the traditional institutions, religious bodies, and civil society organizations in the state, Alh. Adesina commended their enduring role as stabilizing forces and guardians of peace, urging them to remain impartial advocates for the masses.
He also used the opportunity to challenge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other critical state apparatuses to continuously refine the electoral processes ahead of future polls, maintaining that democracy only survives when the ballot box remains sacred.
The politician urged the vibrant youth population of Ogun State to eschew political apathy, bypass decorative political patronage, and actively channel their energies into grassroots mobilization and constructive leadership advocacy to reshape the political landscape.
Alh. Adesina further stated that the DLA is expanding its civic engagement structures in the state, offering comprehensive leadership mentoring and policy education to prepare a new generation of competent public administrators.
He highlighted that the ultimate triumph of democratic governance lies in the absolute supremacy of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the unwavering protection of the rights of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in society.
Reflecting on the state’s agricultural and industrial potential, the Chairman pointed out that strategic investments in automated agribusiness and green energy solutions remain key parameters required to lift thousands of Ogun residents out of poverty.
He implored all residents to celebrate the public holiday with a sense of peace, lawfulness, and mutual respect, reminding everyone that building a prosperous and harmonious state requires the collective inputs of all citizens irrespective of political or religious affiliations.
Alh. Adesina concluded his message with a prayer for the continued progress of Ogun State, wishing all citizens a reflective, safe, and joyous Democracy Day celebration as they look forward to a brighter political future.
“As we usher in June 12, let us remember that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance; we must remain united in our demand for equity, ethical leadership, and economic justice for every single citizen of our great state,” Adesina declared.
