The Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV) has called on all political aspirants seeking elective offices across Yorubaland, particularly in the South-West of Nigeria, to place the interests, welfare, security, dignity and aspirations of the Yoruba people at the centre of their political programmes and governance agenda.
In a release signed by the Convener of the group, Debo Adeniran on behalf of other members of the socio-political organization, he stated that “As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, YDV reminds aspirants that seeking public office is not merely an opportunity to acquire political power, but a solemn commitment to serve the people and protect their collective interests.”Put the People at the Centre of Governance
YDV insists that the ordinary people must never be left behind in the governance process. Political leaders must move beyond campaign promises and establish verifiable mechanisms through which citizens can contribute meaningfully to decisions affecting their lives.Participatory governance must become a practical reality rather than a slogan. Aspirants should commit to using questionnaires, town hall meetings, focus group discussions, constituency consultations, public hearings and other measurable mechanisms to obtain citizens' views before major policies, programmes and projects are developed.Such consultations must be genuine, inclusive and properly documented, with facts, figures, recommendations and responses made available to the public.
YDV will not support the practice of organising teleguided or stage-managed town hall meetings designed merely to create the appearance of consultation.The People's Voice Must Influence Budgets and ProjectsYDV particularly demands that the preparation of annual budgets and appropriation bills should incorporate direct and demonstrable input from the people. Political leaders must consult citizens across constituencies to identify their most pressing developmental needs. The priorities expressed by the people should meaningfully inform government projects, rather than projects being conceived and imposed without adequate consultation.The people must be able to ask: What did we ask for? What was included in the budget? What was implemented? How much was spent? And what impact did the project make?This is the standard of accountable and participatory governance that YDV expects political aspirants to commit themselves to.Constituency Representatives Must Be the People's VoiceYDV further calls for elected representatives to play their proper role as the bridge between government and the people.Citizens should not be expected to receive information about government programmes and development initiatives only through political appointees. Elected representatives, those whom the people themselves entrusted with their mandates must regularly report back to their constituents, explain government policies, present progress reports and obtain feedback.Government officials must also regularly communicate with citizens through mass media, social media, town hall meetings, constituency engagements and other accessible platforms. Governance should not become invisible between election periods.Protect the Territorial Integrity and Interests of YorubalandYDV also urges political leaders across Yorubaland to remain vigilant in protecting the territorial integrity, cultural heritage, economic interests and legitimate rights of the Yoruba people
.The Yoruba people are historically not an expansionists. However, this does not mean that we will remain silent or passive in the face of unlawful incursions, encroachment or attempts to undermine the territorial and communal interests of our people.No government or public official in Yorubaland should compromise or cede any part of Yoruba territory through negligence, political expediency, corruption or personal interest.YDV will continue to oppose any action that jeopardises the legitimate interests, security, heritage and future of the Yoruba people, while equally affirming that such protection must be pursued within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution, the rule of law, peaceful coexistence and respect for the rights of all Nigerians.Security Must Protect Lives and LivelihoodsSecurity must also be understood beyond the deployment of security personnel.
YDV calls on political leaders to create an environment where citizens can live, work, trade, farm and invest without fear.A secure Yorubaland must also be an economically productive land. Governments should support Yoruba entrepreneurs, farmers, traders, artisans, professionals and businesses to make sustainable profits from their economic activities. Citizens who are economically empowered will have greater capacity to own homes and other properties, create employment and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.Government must therefore pursue policies that reduce insecurity, encourage investment, protect businesses and create opportunities for ordinary citizens to prosper.YDV's Message to Political Aspirants
YDV calls on every political aspirant across Yorubaland to tell the people clearly:How will citizens participate in policymaking?How will constituency priorities influence government budgets?How will elected representatives report their performance to constituents?What mechanisms will ensure that public consultations are genuine and documented?How will government projects be tracked and evaluated by citizens?What concrete measures will protect lives, livelihoods and property?What will be done to protect the legitimate interests and territorial integrity of Yorubaland?How will government create an enabling environment for ordinary Yoruba citizens to prosper?The era when politicians appear before the people during campaigns and disappear after elections must end.YDV believes that democracy is not simply about voting; it is about continuous participation, accountability, inclusion and responsive governance.We therefore challenge political aspirants to place the people before political calculations and public interest before personal ambition.YDV will continue to advocate for good governance, democratic accountability, social justice, economic prosperity and the welfare of all Nigerians, with particular attention to the legitimate interests and wellbeing of the Yoruba people. The people must not merely be voters. They must be participants, stakeholders and beneficiaries
0 Comments