The Historic Moment That Must Not Be Squandered_
By Comr Adetunji Habeeb_
For the foundation progressives, the story of political struggle is marked by two historic moments that slipped through the fingers of the progressive movement in 1963 and 1993.
In the early 1960s, progressive politics under the leadership of Awolowo and the Action Group represented one of the most ideologically disciplined political movements in Africa. The Western Region had become a model of visionary governance free education, rural development, industrial expansion, and social welfare programs that transformed the lives of ordinary citizens.
Yet, despite the intellectual depth and administrative excellence of the progressive movement, the turbulent politics of the First Republic prevented the progressives from ascending to the highest office in the federation in 1963. The dream of translating progressive governance from the Western Region to the entire nation was deferred.
Thirty years later, history offered another opportunity.
The 1993 presidential election remains one of the most defining moments in Nigeria’s democratic journey. The widely acclaimed victory of Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola symbolized the possibility that the progressive tradition could finally shape national leadership.
But that moment was tragically interrupted by the annulment of the 1993 Nigerian presidential election annulment a development that denied the progressive movement its long-awaited opportunity to lead the nation.
Once again, the dream was postponed. Yet the progressive family did not surrender.
From the trenches of political struggle emerged resilient figures who continued to protect and nurture the progressive ideology across decades. Among these steadfast soldiers were leaders like *Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba* men who stood firmly within the progressive tradition during both the 1963 ideological battles and the democratic struggles surrounding 1993.
They witnessed the setbacks. They endured the disappointments. Yet they remained unwavering in their commitment to the progressive cause.
By 2023, history presented another defining moment.
After decades of political evolution from the Alliance for Democracy to the Action Congress of Nigeria and eventually the *All Progressives Congress* the progressive movement finally stood at the threshold of the presidency.
At that critical moment, the old guards of the progressive family understood what was at stake. They knew that this was not merely another election. It was the culmination of a generational struggle that began in the era of Awolowo.
*That was why leaders like Baba Akande and Chief Osoba rallied strongly behind one of the most consistent architects of modern progressive politics: Bola Ahmed Tinubu.*
For decades, Tinubu had been a central figure in rebuilding and sustaining the progressive political structure from the resistance politics of the military era to the consolidation of progressive governance in the South West.
The 2023 victory therefore represented more than a political win.
It represented the fulfillment of a historic mission.
For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the ideological descendants of Awolowo had successfully navigated the long road from regional progressive governance to national leadership.
The foundation progressives had finally reached the summit.
This achievement did not come cheaply. It was built on the sacrifices of generations those who fought in 1963, those who resisted in 1993, and those who rebuilt the progressive movement in the decades that followed.
That is why the moment must be protected.
Today, another crucial chapter is unfolding. The consolidation of progressive leadership at the national level requires unity, discipline, and unwavering commitment from all who believe in the progressive philosophy.
The second term of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is therefore not merely a political ambition; it is a strategic continuation of the progressive project at the national level.
For many of the elder statesmen who carried the progressive banner through decades of struggle, this is a mission they approach with profound seriousness. Leaders like Baba Akande and Chief Osoba continue to work tirelessly day and night ensuring that the progressive legacy they defended for decades remains firmly rooted in Nigeria’s political future.
Their dedication sends a clear message to the entire progressive family.
This is not the time for fragmentation.
This is not the time for ideological confusion.
*This is the time for consolidation.*
The foundation progressives those who understand the journey from Awolowo’s philosophy to the present political reality must once again rise to the occasion. They must rally like never before, ensuring that the progressive project at the national level is strengthened rather than weakened.
The sacrifices of 1963 must not be forgotten.
The lessons of 1993 must not be ignored.
And the victory of 2023 must not be taken for granted.
History has finally aligned in favor of the progressive movement. The responsibility now lies with the custodians of that legacy to protect it with unity, courage, and unwavering loyalty to the ideals that began decades ago.
For the progressive family, this moment is not negotiable.
It is a historic duty.
*Comr Adetunji Habeeb*
_Former, Ogun State Board member_
