A socio-political organisation, Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV), has called on political aspirants seeking elective offices within the South-West region to place the interests, welfare, security, dignity and aspirations of the Yoruba people at the centre of their governance agenda.

YDV convener, Debo Adeniran, in a statement on Friday, warned political aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections against abusing the opportunity to serve and protect the people’s collective interests.

“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,” Mr Adeniran stated.

He called on political leaders to 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,” he said.

He called on political aspirants to let citizens’ voices influence annual budget preparation, adding that appropriation bills should include direct and demonstrable input from the people.

Mr Adeniran said, “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?.”

Mr Adeniran called on constituency representatives to see themselves as the people’s voice and act 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,” the convener stated.

“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,” he added.

The YDV convener called on elected officials to regularly communicate with citizens through mass media, social media, town hall meetings, constituency engagements and other accessible platforms. 

He also called on political leaders to protect the territorial integrity, cultural heritage, economic interests and legitimate rights of Yoruba 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,” he said.

Mr Adeniran called 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,” he said.

He urged political aspirants in the region to clearly state how citizens in their constituencies would participate in policymaking and how constituency priorities would influence government budgets ahead of the general poll.

“YDV calls on every political aspirant across Yorubaland to tell the people clearly: 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?” Mr Adeniran said.

“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 the 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,” he added.