Governor Dapo Abiodun’s decision to appoint 1,200 political assistants across Ogun State is more than a political maneuver; it is an experiment in participatory governance. At its core, the initiative seeks to institutionalize a system where citizens are not merely onlookers but active contributors to the policymaking and development process. This has implications that stretch far beyond politics, touching on governance innovation, leadership development, and the redefinition of democracy itself.
By ensuring that each of the state’s 236 wards has five assistants, the government is embedding a deliberate structure of inclusion. No ward, however small, is excluded from having a direct line of engagement with the state. This model goes a long way in addressing one of the most persistent challenges of governance in Nigeria: the distance between citizens and government. It provides a structured mechanism for communities to voice their realities and influence decisions that affect their daily lives.
The developmental value of this initiative is evident. Policy success often depends on accurate information from the grassroots and effective communication of government intentions. With assistants stationed at the ward level, Ogun State is creating a real-time feedback loop where local challenges are escalated quickly to policymakers, and government interventions are explained and monitored within communities. This approach improves not only responsiveness but also transparency, ensuring that limited resources are directed toward pressing needs such as rural infrastructure, schools, healthcare, and security.
Globally, participatory governance models have shown measurable success. In Brazil, the introduction of participatory budgeting allowed citizens at the municipal level to directly decide on portions of the budget, resulting in higher satisfaction with governance and improved service delivery in health and education. Similarly, in Rwanda, the “Imihigo” performance contract system engages communities in setting local government priorities, with strong accountability mechanisms built into execution. Closer to home, Lagos State’s community development associations (CDAs) have for years played a role in ensuring grassroots input in infrastructure projects, proving that structured citizen involvement can accelerate development outcomes.
Ogun State’s model, while different in structure, aligns with this global and regional trend of democratizing governance beyond elections. It reinforces the principle that democracy is not a one-off event but a continuous process of dialogue, negotiation, and shared responsibility between leaders and citizens. With time, the assistants could function as Ogun State’s equivalent of civic ambassadors—local actors who bridge the gap between communities and government while ensuring accountability and inclusiveness.
The appointments also serve as a platform for leadership development. Many of the assistants are likely to be young people or emerging community leaders. Their exposure to governance processes, conflict resolution, and public communication will serve as a training ground for future leadership. In the long run, such exposure can enrich Ogun State’s leadership pool and prepare a new generation for higher responsibilities. This is in line with best practices in countries like Kenya, where county governments actively integrate youth leaders into governance structures to build capacity for future roles.
Crucially, this initiative redefines democracy in practical terms. In contexts where political engagement is often limited to election periods, the appointment of ward-level assistants transforms democratic participation into a daily reality. It provides citizens with identifiable representatives they can hold accountable, while also giving the government the benefit of community intelligence. This dual accountability enhances trust in governance and strengthens the social contract.
The long-term success of this initiative, however, depends on effective coordination, transparency, and accountability mechanisms. The assistants must be more than symbolic figures; they must be equipped with the training, tools, and platforms needed to translate community concerns into actionable government policy. Regular evaluations, clear reporting structures, and citizen feedback mechanisms will be essential to prevent the initiative from degenerating into mere political patronage.
Governor Abiodun’s appointment of 1,200 political assistants is therefore best understood not only as a political strategy but as a governance innovation. It has the potential to make Ogun State a model for participatory democracy in Nigeria, much like participatory budgeting became a global reference point for citizen engagement. If sustained and institutionalized, this approach could inspire other subnational governments across the country to rethink how they integrate citizens into governance, thereby advancing the broader project of democratic consolidation in Africa.
Tayo Mabeweje Tayo
Senior Special Assistant (Media)
Office of the Governor,
Ogun State.