Action Alliance presidential candidate urges end to banditry

The presidential candidate of the Action Alliance in the 2027 general election, Adekunle Omo-Aje, has urged governments at all levels and security agencies to intensify efforts to end banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across the country, and secure the release of Nigerians being held captive by criminal groups.

Omo-Aje made the call in a Democracy Day message on Friday, saying that the dividends of democracy would remain incomplete unless citizens could live and conduct their daily activities in safety.

The presidential candidate noted that while Nigeria was celebrating 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, many communities, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions, continued to grapple with insecurity, economic hardship and inadequate infrastructure.

According to him, democracy should translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens rather than being limited to periodic elections and political appointments.

“Democracy is not just about elections and political offices. It is about the welfare of the people. Nigerians at all levels must feel the impact,” he said.

Omo-Aje stressed that federal, state and local governments must focus on delivering critical infrastructure, creating economic opportunities and guaranteeing security for citizens.

He argued that more than two decades of democratic governance should have produced visible improvements in the living conditions of people at the grassroots.

The Action Alliance chieftain identified poor road networks, unreliable electricity supply and inadequate water infrastructure as major obstacles to development in both urban and rural communities.

He called on governments to prioritise investments in infrastructure, describing them as the foundation for economic growth, job creation and improved living standards.

On the economy, Omo-Aje urged policymakers to adopt measures that would stimulate job creation, support small and medium-scale enterprises and reduce the rising cost of living confronting many Nigerian households.

He said persistent inflation and economic difficulties had placed enormous pressure on families and businesses, making it imperative for governments to implement policies capable of restoring purchasing power and public confidence.

The politician also described security as one of the most important responsibilities of any democratic government.

He called on security agencies and political leaders to take urgent and decisive steps to tackle banditry, kidnapping and terrorism, which he said had continued to threaten lives and livelihoods across several parts of the country.

According to him, increased investment in intelligence gathering, community policing initiatives and modern equipment for security personnel would help improve the country’s security architecture.

Omo-Aje warned that development efforts in key sectors such as agriculture, education and healthcare would remain constrained if insecurity persisted.

“Without safety, efforts in education, agriculture and health will remain limited and ineffective, leaving communities vulnerable,” he said.

He commended Nigerians for their resilience and commitment to democratic values despite the economic and security challenges confronting the nation.

The Action Alliance stalwart also urged citizens to remain actively engaged in the democratic process by holding elected officials accountable and demanding effective service delivery.

“Democracy thrives when the people demand service and leaders respond with action. We must all play our part,” he added.

Omo-Aje reaffirmed his party’s commitment to people-oriented governance and policies that place the welfare of citizens above political interests.

He urged political leaders to use the Democracy Day celebration as an opportunity to reflect on their responsibilities and recommit themselves to improving the lives of Nigerians.

Nigeria marks Democracy Day annually on June 12 in remembrance of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest poll in the country’s history.

The election, believed to have been won by the late businessman and politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, was annulled by the military government, triggering a prolonged struggle for democratic rule.

Since the return to civilian governance in 1999, Democracy Day has become an occasion for assessing the nation’s democratic journey, with issues of insecurity, economic development and good governance remaining central to public discourse.