Democracy Day: Omoluabi Progressives Demands End to False Hope, Praises Nigerians’ Resilience
As Nigerians observe Democracy Day in remembrance of the historic June 12 struggle, the Omoluabi Progressives, a political movement affiliated with former Osun State Governor and immediate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has sent a message of hope and resistance to the nation’s poor and struggling masses.
In a statement signed by its Organizing and Publicity Secretary, Abosede Oluwaseun, the group described the Nigerian people as “the soul of this nation,” while decrying the economic hardship and political betrayal that have characterized the country’s current democratic experience.
“June 12 is more than a date—it is a reminder of the Nigerian masses’ resilience and their unbreakable spirit,” the statement reads.
“It serves as the foundation of the democracy which we ought to be enjoying today, but unfortunately, is being raped by those who should know better.”
Echoing the legacy of Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the tendency reaffirmed its commitment to the ideals of social justice, equity, and people-oriented leadership, stating that “June 12 symbolizes the people’s stolen mandate through MKO, who believed that poverty eradication, justice, and equal opportunity must form the backbone of our democracy.”
But the group lamented what it called the deepening hardships across the country insisting that the ideals have been trampled by the political elite.
“What are we witnessing today? Untold hardships in the midst of abundance and phantom wants amidst plenty resources,” it declared, drawing attention to the plight of market women, jobless graduates, artisans, farmers, okada riders, and millions enduring economic adversity.
The group described the rising cost of living and erratic electricity billing as unacceptable, labelling the current PHCN tariff system as “Band 419 charges.”
Despite these challenges, the group, however, reassured Nigerians: “You are not invisible. You are the soul of this nation, and a better tomorrow is knocking.”
Condemning the ever-widening inequality and the shrinking of the middle class, the group said, “the gap between the have and the have nots continues to expand, the scope of the middle class is been eradicated, the poor continues to soar while the rich continue to benefit from the broken systems and false promises.”
In a direct challenge to the current administration’s widely criticized slogan, the group charged the political class to “do away with the false ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra,” insisting that democracy must be more than mere rhetoric.
Instead, it advocated for a new kind of politics — one in which “democracy works for not just for the politicians and the powerful but the kind of democracy that works for all, the poor, the haves, and the have nots”
The tendency also emphasized its vision for Nigeria’s future where:
“Leadership serves, and not steals.”
“A country where an average Nigerian will not sleep hungry.”
“A democracy that works not just for the politicians and the powerful, but one that works for all—the poor, the haves, and the have-nots.”
“A democracy where institutions, rather than personalities, are built on sound frameworks.”
Reaffirming its commitment to a politics driven by “character, courage, and compassion,” the Omoluabi Progressives vowed to stand with the people and to fight for a system where leadership serves and not steals.
It urged citizens to remain vigilant: “Stay awake, stay involved, and stand for truth. For democracy is not complete until it uplifts the poor. This is our promise.”
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
