23/06/2025
Over the past few weeks, especially during a recent online youth forum, one question kept coming up: "Can lawmakers truly stay connected to the people once they’re elected?"
My answer has been simple and clear — Yes. They can. And they must.
In a functional democracy, the relationship between elected leaders and the people must be ongoing, not occasional. And that’s why I firmly believe in quarterly consultations between lawmakers and the constituents they serve.
Today in Nigeria, we face a serious challenge: a growing disconnect between those elected and those they represent. This communication gap breeds not only mistrust but resentment. People feel policies are made far away — for them, but never with them. That has to change.
The United Nations Development Programme and the Inter-Parliamentary Union have long emphasized the five pillars of legislative accountability: Information, Education, Communication, Consultation, and Participation. These aren’t mere buzzwords — they are blueprints for meaningful leadership. But here at home, we have too often abandoned these tools.
Our people don’t hear from us until election time. Consultation happens in big halls filled with selected few. Bills are introduced, and communities only learn of them when there’s outrage.
Let me say this clearly: I will not be that kind of representative.
If given the opportunity to serve the people of Yewa North Constituency 01, I will commit — not in theory, but in action — to quarterly town hall meetings. Not for photo-ops. Not for applause. But to genuinely listen, learn, and lead with the people.
Why quarterly? Because once a year isn’t enough. Because true democracy isn’t a ceremony — it’s a continuous conversation. Because real trust is not built on campaign posters, but on proximity, presence, and accountability.
The economy, the law, our institutions — these are the pillars of any progressive state. But without people’s participation, even the best laws will fall flat.
So I’m calling on all of us — especially the youth — to get involved, to ask questions, to demand that leaders don’t just speak for you but speak with you. Let’s redefine democracy as something we don’t just vote for, but something we live in every day.
This is not politics as usual. This is a movement to bring representation back to where it belongs — in the hands of the people.
Prince Akinlawon Oluwafemi (Femi Nbo)