Yoruba Group Sets Agenda for Political Aspirants

The Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV) group has urged all political candidates vying for elected positions in Yorubaland, primarily the South-west region, to prioritize the well-being, security, dignity, and aspirations of the Yoruba people in their political campaigns and governance strategies. Convener Debo Adeniran emphasized that seeking public office entails a solemn commitment to serve the people and safeguard their collective interests.

Adeniran cautioned that political activities should intensify ahead of the 2027 general election, urging candidates not to view public office as merely a means to acquire political power. He emphasized that political leaders must move beyond mere campaign promises and establish transparent mechanisms for citizens to actively participate in decision-making processes affecting their lives.

The YDV believes that political leaders must engage with citizens through credible methods, such as questionnaires, town hall meetings, focus group discussions, constituency consultations, and public hearings. These consultations must be genuine, inclusive, and properly documented, with resulting facts, figures, recommendations, and responses made accessible to the public. The group rejects the use of teleguided or staged town hall meetings solely for the purpose of creating an impression of consultation.

Furthermore, YDV stressed that annual budgets and appropriation bills should incorporate direct input from the people, with elected representatives actively consulting with citizens across constituencies to identify their most pressing developmental needs. Adeniran emphasized that the priorities expressed by the people should be meaningfully integrated into government projects, rather than projects being conceived and imposed without adequate consultation.

Ademiran called for elected representatives to serve as the bridge between government and the people. He urged citizens to receive information about government programs and development initiatives directly from elected representatives, rather than through political appointees. Elected officials must regularly report back to their constituents, explain government policies, present progress reports, and obtain feedback through accessible platforms such as mass media, social media, town hall meetings, and constituency engagements. Governance should remain visible even between election periods, he stressed.