DEMOCRACY DAY INTERVIEW: Hon. Alabi Kolade David Says Tinubu’s Grassroots Legacy Will Speak Loudest in 2027
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By Obiora Orji
As Nigerians commemorate Democracy Day 2025, the spotlight has turned not just on history, but on performance, vision, and the prospects of a democratic leadership anchored on grassroots mobilisation and people-centric development. One of the central figures who helped shape the momentum behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electoral victory in 2023 is Hon. Alabi Kolade David, former Leader of the Local Government Directorate in the APC Presidential Campaign Council and a two-term National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
In this special post-mortem Democracy Day interview, Hon. Alabi reflects on the journey so far under President Tinubu’s leadership, the achievements of the Local Government Directorate, and the road ahead for Nigeria. His position is informed not only by his political role but also by his executive leadership in Bariga LCDA in Lagos and as Chairman of Conference 57. He is also an Executive Committee member of United Cities for Local Governments Africa (UCLG-A).
Speaking candidly, Alabi Kolade David began by acknowledging the hurdles faced since the Tinubu administration took office, noting that policy alignment with grassroots realities under the Renewed Hope Agenda presented a formidable challenge early on.
“Ah, my dear Obiora, I would first of all thank God for the victory at the poll and the Grace to successfully make our mark,” he said. “One of the biggest challenges we have faced was ensuring that our policies and programmes align with the needs and expectations of local government people under the Renewed Hope document. We did not hesitate to mobilize them for their buy-in. It is not always easy, but we worked tirelessly to engage with grassroots people despite our diversity and heterogeneous languages to communicate our action plan to all stakeholders. More so, we tried to understand their passion for the Renewed Hope and their concerns.”
Grassroots Mobilisation: The Beating Heart of Progress
For Hon. Alabi, the success of the Directorate—and by extension, the APC’s strategic hold on the electorate—has been founded on one simple but effective principle: meeting the people where they are.
“I believe it’s been our commitment to grassroots mobilization and community engagement. We’ve worked closely with local government officials and residents to understand their needs and develop policies that address them. Our team was diligent in ensuring that our message reached every corner of the country.”
While the Directorate is temporarily deactivated until the next political cycle, Hon. Alabi insists the groundwork laid is solid. “Constitutionally, every regime has a shelf life, and for the presidency, looking and reviewing the midterm is paramount. Already, as you are aware, it has been an impressive excursion, as it were. As a party stakeholder and a grassroots strategist, our plans to continue the work of mobilizing grassroots support and implementing policies that benefit local government people and their stakeholders are not in doubt.”
He added with conviction, “The campaign is far and away up to one year-plus; you do not count eggs before they are hatched, but I can only assure you that the Party is working. Until we come to the bridge, we will cross it.”
Democracy as a Living Process
Marking Democracy Day, Hon. Alabi offered an optimistic reflection on the evolution of Nigerian democracy and the imperative of community-based governance. “Democracy is a continuous process, and we must always strive to improve and strengthen our institutions. As we celebrate Democracy Day, it is important that we appreciate and support the community engagement strategy as we in Lagos adopt it and as a model which many LGAs across the country are emulating.”
His belief in the power of local government as a transformation vehicle is deeply embedded in his policy thinking. “Grassroots mobilization is a critical aspect of both election victory and governance, with policy implementation that benefits all Nigerians. We are committed to supporting it in all ramifications in delivering on the Renewed Hope agenda, and we are excited about the future. Don’t forget that one good turn deserves another. 2027 promises a strong and overwhelming audit of accomplishments.”
Learning from Africa’s Best
Drawing inspiration from other African nations, Hon. Alabi highlighted parallels between Nigeria’s current reforms and those of countries like Morocco, Rwanda, Egypt, and South Africa. “I believe Nigeria can learn a lot from these countries’ experiences. For instance, Morocco’s decentralization efforts have been quite successful in empowering local governments and promoting grassroots development. I keep saying ‘bottom-up approach’. The Moroccan example presents a compelling story aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
According to him, decentralization not only stimulates economic growth and job creation but also enhances public service delivery. “The gains are huge in terms of GDP, job creation, welfare, infrastructural development, and more. I personally have commended the Renewed Hope document, and I am seeing the implications—just like in Rwanda, Egypt and other developing African countries.”
The Fight for Local Government Autonomy
A critical pivot of Hon. Alabi’s advocacy has been local government autonomy. With the Supreme Court judgment in favour of this long-standing demand, and a committee established to ensure its implementation, Hon. Alabi believes a new chapter is unfolding.
“The committee is working on developing a comprehensive plan to ensure the sustainability of local government autonomy. As the former National President of ALGON and a current Exco member, we are looking at various aspects, including financial management, capacity building, and institutional strengthening.”
He cited ongoing efforts in his local council as evidence of readiness to lead. “In Bariga, where I am the Executive Chairman and the Conference 57 Chairman here in Lagos, efforts are continuously made to leverage the best practices to deliver services to the 57 Councils and by extension, as a model, even the autonomy can inherently operationalize when fully achieved.”
Legislative Milestones and Renewed Optimism
Hon. Alabi was also enthusiastic about the constitutional amendment bills recently passed by the House of Representatives aimed at bolstering local government autonomy and election credibility.
“I am personally appreciative; it is a step in the right direction. The bills aimed at granting more autonomy to local governments and ensuring the credibility of local government elections are particularly noteworthy. If passed into law, they will further strengthen the autonomy of local governments and promote grassroots development.”
A Word to Nigerians: Stay the Course
Addressing the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, Hon. Alabi was honest yet hopeful. “My dear, very respected Nigerians, we have always been together as local government people in the grassroots. We have traversed the country and have regular feedback. I understand your struggles and concerns. I want to assure you that President Tinubu’s administration is committed to addressing the country’s challenges.”
Acknowledging the difficulties, he urged patience. “I know that many families are struggling, and I empathize with their pain. However, I believe that the President’s administration is working hard to address the challenges. The economic reforms, infrastructure development, and social welfare programmes are all designed to promote economic growth and improve living standards.”
He emphasized that Tinubu is focused on policy implementation, not distracted by premature politicking: “This is the midterm. Mr. President is focused on his policy despite the distractions by the opposition promoting the next election, while we are just in the midterm. I urge everyone to trust in the President’s vision and give his administration more time to deliver on its promises.”
Looking Ahead
As the nation marks another Democracy Day, the message from Hon. Alabi Kolade David is clear: local government is the soul of democracy, and with the right vision, Nigeria’s grassroots can become the foundation for a truly renewed nation.
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, but not yet the focus, he reminds everyone: “Until we come to the bridge, we will cross it.” For now, it’s about consolidation, performance, and ensuring that democracy works—starting from the ground up.
