…Demands rescue of abducted Ogbomoso pupils, teachers
….Says Nigerians losing faith amid rising insecurity
By Peter Taiwo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogun State Chapter, has declared that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, warning that the worsening security situation across Nigeria is eroding the very foundation of democratic governance.
In a statement issued to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, the party said while Nigerians continue to celebrate the historic significance of June 12, many citizens remain unable to enjoy the most basic dividend of democracy — the security of lives and property.
The statement, signed by the State Chairman of ADC, Otunba (Dr.) Olufemi Soluade, described June 12 as a symbol of popular sovereignty, freedom, and the collective struggle of Nigerians against oppression and authoritarian rule.
According to the party, it is both painful and ironic that democracy is being celebrated at a time when terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, violent crimes, and organized criminal activities have become recurring features of national life.
The ADC lamented that many Nigerians now live under constant fear as criminals continue to unleash terror on communities, highways, schools, and farmlands across the country.
“Democracy cannot flourish where fear reigns supreme,” the party stated.
The opposition party expressed particular concern over the reported abduction of 45 pupils and teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, describing the incident as a national tragedy and a stain on the conscience of the nation.
The party said the continued captivity of innocent school children and their teachers represents a direct assault on the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
ADC called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the immediate and unconditional release of the victims.
“The lives of Nigerian children must never become bargaining chips in the hands of criminals and terrorists,” the statement added.
The party warned that governments at all levels must stop treating insecurity as a routine challenge, insisting that the current situation has reached a dangerous stage requiring extraordinary leadership, urgency, and accountability.
ADC urged the Federal Government to declare the prevailing wave of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crimes a national security emergency.
It also called for a comprehensive reassessment of existing security strategies, which it said have failed to deliver the desired results.
The party further advocated improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration among security agencies to effectively combat criminal networks operating across the country.
ADC equally demanded the identification, exposure, and prosecution of sponsors, collaborators, and financiers of terrorism, irrespective of their social status, political affiliations, or influence.
According to the party, ending impunity remains critical to winning the war against insecurity.
The statement also called for increased investment in modern surveillance technology, improved border security systems, and enhanced rapid-response capabilities to tackle emerging security threats.
While acknowledging that Ogun State has largely been spared some of the worst manifestations of insecurity witnessed in other parts of the country, ADC cautioned the state government against complacency.
The party noted that criminal elements continue to exploit border communities and forests across the Southwest region, warning that Ogun State could become vulnerable if proactive measures are not taken.
It therefore urged the Ogun State Government to strengthen community-based security architecture, improve intelligence gathering, and provide greater support to law enforcement agencies operating within the state.
The opposition party stressed that the state must ensure it does not become a safe haven for criminal networks fleeing security operations in neighbouring states.
ADC further warned both the Federal and Ogun State Governments that Nigerians are gradually running out of patience as insecurity continues to take a toll on citizens’ daily lives and economic activities.
The party accused public officials of relying on statistics that do not reflect the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians struggling to survive amid rising insecurity.
It maintained that June 12 was not merely a struggle for periodic elections but a struggle for a government capable of protecting its people, upholding justice, and guaranteeing freedom.
“A democracy that cannot secure the lives of its citizens stands on a weak foundation,” the statement declared.
The party urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the democratic process despite the numerous challenges confronting the nation.
It also reminded leaders at all levels that history would judge them not by speeches delivered on Democracy Day but by their ability to guarantee the safety, welfare, and prosperity of the people.
ADC reaffirmed its commitment to building a Nigeria where government serves the people, security agencies are adequately equipped, justice prevails, and every citizen can live, work, travel, learn, and worship without fear.
The party concluded by paying tribute to the heroes and heroines of the June 12 struggle whose sacrifices, it said, laid the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation.
It called on leaders across the country to honour those sacrifices by ensuring that democracy delivers meaningful security, justice, and development to all Nigerians.
The statement was issued through the Directorate of Communications and Publicity of the African Democratic Congress, Ogun State Chapter, as part of activities marking Democracy Day 2026.
