Some Social Democratic Party (SDP) stakeholders in Lagos State have called for renewed efforts to tackle poverty, hardship, and economic deprivation in Nigeria.
They made the call at a news conference in Lagos on Thursday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, urging greater commitment to inclusive development and improved living conditions.
Mrs Tinuola Aina, the party’s Deputy Chairman in the state, said independence should translate into a better quality of life, dignity and opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.
Aina, who represented the SDP Governorship Candidate, Hon. Femi Olaniyi, popularly known as ‘Ferrari’, also urged Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process and to reject vote-buying.
‘We want our members and Nigerians to understand that their votes are their power. They should reject inducements, vote according to their conscience and ensure that their votes count,’ she said.
She said the SDP remained committed to deepening democracy, promoting good governance and pursuing development anchored in social justice, peace, security and a productive economy.
Aina said the anniversary should renew the collective aspiration for a Nigeria where poverty is reduced, productive opportunities are expanded and citizens are empowered to contribute to national development.
The party’s state Secretary, Hon. Oluwamuyiwa Oludotun, said the SDP advocated a people-oriented political system in which government policies prioritised citizens’ welfare and economic empowerment.
Oludotun said Nigeria’s human and natural resources should translate into stronger human development, infrastructure, productive employment and improved social welfare.
Similarly, Oloye Adegboyega Adeniyi, SDP candidate for Lagos East Senatorial District, urged voters to participate actively in the electoral process and to assess candidates based on their programmes, competence, integrity and commitment to public service.
Adeniyi urged the electorate to protect their votes against manipulation and inducement.
‘We are appealing to our people to come out and vote massively, but they must vote according to their conscience and protect their votes.
‘The future of our communities cannot be exchanged for temporary inducements,’ he said.
He said the SDP envisioned a society where government was accountable and public resources were deployed for sustainable development.
Hon. Femi Falowo, SDP candidate for Amuwo-Odofin Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, said the anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey and the need to build communities with access to quality education, healthcare and basic infrastructure.
Falowo said effective constituency development required responsive representation and sustained engagement between elected representatives and the people.
He urged party members and supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to issue-based campaigns, saying elections should enable citizens to choose representatives based on programmes and commitment to development.