- ADC Lagos West Senatorial candidate, Mr. Hafis Owolabi-Bello, says democracy must go beyond elections to improve citizens’ welfare.
- He advocates inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and stronger accountability mechanisms.
- Bello paid tribute to MKO Abiola and urged Nigerians to demand accountability from elected leaders.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Lagos West Senatorial District, Mr. Hafis Owolabi-Bello, has called for a renewed focus on governance that directly improves the lives of citizens, stressing that democracy should be measured by its impact on people’s welfare rather than periodic political celebrations.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Speaking in an interview in Lagos as Nigerians marked the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Bello said the true essence of democracy lies in delivering security, economic opportunities, and improved living standards to the people.
According to him, while Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule represents a significant milestone, the country must now focus on translating democratic gains into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
“Democracy is a covenant between the state and the people. While 27 years of civil rule is a significant milestone, true democracy must be reflected in the everyday lives of citizens through improved welfare, security and economic opportunities,” he said.
Bello emphasized the need for governments at all levels to dismantle systemic barriers that continue to exclude young people, women, and vulnerable groups from meaningful participation in economic and political activities.
He argued that genuine inclusiveness must go beyond rhetoric and be backed by practical policies and legislation capable of creating opportunities and empowering citizens.
The ADC candidate described Lagos West Senatorial District as Nigeria’s economic and demographic powerhouse, noting that the district requires effective, compassionate, and intellectually driven representation capable of addressing the challenges facing residents.
According to him, quality representation in the Senate would help ensure that federal policies, projects, and social intervention programmes translate into meaningful development outcomes for communities across the district.
Bello outlined several initiatives he intends to pursue if elected into the National Assembly.
Among the proposals is the introduction of annual constituency accountability town hall meetings designed to provide residents with opportunities to assess legislative performance, engage their representatives, and contribute to budget priorities.
He also unveiled plans for a “June 12 Democracy Grants” programme, which would provide annual support for youth entrepreneurs and market women through micro-grants, technology tools, and capacity-building initiatives.
“The objective is to ensure that democracy produces measurable benefits for our people, particularly young entrepreneurs and women who play vital roles in our local economy,” he explained.
The senatorial hopeful further pledged to facilitate the alignment of federal healthcare subsidies, social intervention programmes, and infrastructure projects for direct implementation across communities within Lagos West.
Reflecting on the significance of Democracy Day, Bello paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and other pro-democracy activists whose sacrifices contributed to the restoration of democratic governance in Nigeria.
He described the June 12 struggle as a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history and commended those who paid the ultimate price in pursuit of democratic ideals.
“The sacrifices made by Chief MKO Abiola and other heroes of democracy must never be forgotten. Their courage laid the foundation for the democratic freedoms we enjoy today,” he said.
Bello urged Nigerians to honour the legacy of the June 12 heroes by actively participating in the democratic process, rejecting political apathy, and holding elected leaders accountable for their actions.
He stressed that sustainable democratic development depends on informed and engaged citizens who demand transparency, good governance, and responsible leadership.
Democracy Day is observed annually on June 12 to commemorate the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history. The date was officially designated as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, replacing May 29 as the nation’s official day for celebrating democratic governance.
