By Olasunkanmi Akoni
Former Alliance for Democracy (AD) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Owolabi Salis, has held a strategic meeting with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as part of efforts to contribute to Nigeria’s democratic development.
Salis, a New York-based lawyer and chartered accountant, disclosed that the meeting was part of consultations with key political leaders and stakeholders on national development.
He said he also plans to meet President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former military leaders including Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Speaking after his recent visit to Nigeria, Salis expressed concern over the country’s slow pace of development despite its vast potential more than two decades after the return to democratic rule.
He attributed some of the challenges facing the country to weak democratic institutions and political practices that, according to him, have affected ordinary citizens.
Salis said poverty and limited access to healthcare had widened the gap between the rich and poor, noting that many vulnerable Nigerians struggle to access basic medical services.
He disclosed that he provides monthly support for some people through food and medical assistance, while also expressing concern over infrastructure challenges in disadvantaged communities.
The former governorship candidate also called for electoral reforms, saying improvements were needed to strengthen confidence in the electoral process.
Reflecting on his experience as a governorship candidate in the 2019 Lagos election, Salis said there was a need to improve electoral transparency and public trust in democratic institutions.
He, however, said he preferred to share his ideas and proposed solutions privately with President Tinubu and other leaders rather than discuss them publicly.
“I do not want to discuss this in the media, but I hope to share ideas with President Tinubu and other leaders soon,” he said.
Salis, who is also an astronaut, made history in June 2023 as the first Nigerian to travel to space aboard Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission.
