The Justice Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritise rewarding members who demonstrated loyalty and mobilised support during the 2023 general elections.

This is contained in a statement to mark the Democracy Day issued by the forum’s Chairman, Kolawoke Koleoso and Secretary, Olasupo Anisere, on Friday in Ibadan.

The forum said that Nigeria’s democracy could only thrive when the sacrifices of citizens that defended the ballot and the will of the people are remembered, recognised and rewarded.

According to it, loyalty and commitment remain essential pillars for strengthening democratic institutions and sustaining party structures ahead of future elections.

It said that as the Renewed Hope administration reflects on progress made so far, the remaining period of the President’s first term should be used to ensure visible inclusion of Oyo APC stakeholders that stood firm when it mattered most.

The forum argued that its contributions at ward level were critical to securing victory for the party in the state.

It said that many APC members in the state mobilised grassroots support in 2023 without promise of reward, driven only by faith in the Renewed Hope agenda.

The forum described the committed members as the backbone of democracy, adding that their continued faith in the party depends largely on recognition and engagement.

It urged the Mr Tinubu to ensure that appointments, empowerment programmes, and federal interventions planned in the months ahead capture loyal Oyo APC members who laboured for the party’s success.

According to it, such inclusion will reassure grassroots supporters that their efforts are valued by the leadership.

The forum appealed to the media, government officials, and party leaders to acknowledge the link between grassroots sacrifice and democratic stability.

It said that leaving loyal foot soldiers out of the reward system could weaken party cohesion, while recognising them would boost morale and deepen democratic participation. 

(NAN)