16/10/2026
CITIZENS DESERVE ANSWER: FOUR SENATORIAL CANDIDATES MISSED CITIZENS’ TOWN HALL MEETING
Democracy is more than seeking votes; it is about listening to the people, understanding their concerns and remaining accessible to the communities one hopes to represent.
When citizens create the platform to ask questions, prospective leaders should be ready to listen.
On 15th of October, 2026, the Justice, Development and Peace Commission Ijebu Ode (JDPC) facilitated a citizens’ town hall meeting organised by the Civil Society Coalition on SDGs in Ogun State, bringing together men and women : artisans, youths, persons with disabilities and other community stakeholders to discuss the future of Ogun East Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 elections.
Five senatorial candidates representing the African Democratic Party, All Progressive Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party, and Labour Party were invited.
Hon. 'Wale Stanley Kuku of the Labour Party honoured the invitation. Like a deer waiting for the water brooks so did Citizens of Ogun East patiently waited till mother called to record the absence of other candidates
This action left them with heavy questions: if candidates cannot make themselves available to listen to the people whose mandate they seek, how will they remain accessible and accountable to them if elected?
The town hall was not a political rally. It was a citizen-led platform for honest dialogue, where ordinary people could express their concerns, articulate their priorities and ask prospective representatives questions without partisan restrictions.
As the Chairman of the occasion, Oko-ilu (Engr.) Lawal Olusegun Abayomi, PhD, observed, the intended interaction was undermined by the absence of those expected to engage with the people. The Planning Committee Chairman, Otunba Akinola Olawale Sunday, equally reminded participants that “democracy dies when discussion dies.”
During the meeting, the People's Manifesto, a document reflecting citizens' expectations and development priorities for Ogun East Senatorial District, was presented to Hon. Kuku, who signed it as a commitment to implement its provisions if elected. He also identified localisation and effective implementation of existing laws as legislative priorities.
The Artisan General of Ogun State, Comrade Anthony Ayodele, urged the organising committee, including JDPC, to ensure that the manifesto reaches all the candidates, including those who were absent.
Let this be clear: seeking public office is a responsibility, not merely an ambition. Citizens deserve more than campaign promises; they deserve engagement, accessibility and accountability. The absence of a candidate does not silence the people, nor does it remove the responsibility to respond to their concerns.
JDPC remains committed to promoting inclusive participation, good governance and people-centered development.
The conversation continues! Dates and schedules for forthcoming town hall meetings with candidates contesting for the House of Representatives and Ogun State House of Assembly seats in the 2027 elections will be communicated in due course.
Together we can make a great nation
