From the Desk of the Director General
Engr. Dotun Sasore
African League Organization [ALO]
Campaign Season Series | Weekly Episode 1
BUILDING THE BENCH THROUGH #774STRUCTURE*
Theme: “Not Waiting 70 Years for a Messiah”
Date: September 2026
Dear Compatriots, Partners, and Citizens,
Campaign season is upon us. The flags are out. The posters are up. But I ask us again: What exactly are we campaigning about?
If we repeat the same cycle — personalities over principles, slogans over systems — then 2027 will look like 2023.
At ALO, we believe the work of democracy does not start at the ballot. It starts in the classroom, in the ward meeting, in the party secretariat, and in our homes.
And it starts with structure.
Which is why this week, we are launching the first in our 5-week series with a hard conversation: LEADERSHIP PIPELINE — DELIVERED THROUGH #774STRUCTURE.
1. THE REALITY: THE LEADERSHIP VACUUM
1. The Messiah Mentality: We cannot continue to place the burden of 200 million Nigerians on one office and expect transformation.
2. No Training Ground: Our private sector has internships, NYSC, and management trainee programs. Our political space has “godfathers” and “moneybags.” That is not a pipeline.
3. The Demographic Disconnect: Nigeria has the youngest population in the world. Average age: 18. The average age in the Senate: 55+. Where is the bridge?
When we fail to nurture leaders across ALL parties, we recycle names and inherit the same governance gaps.
2. THE ALO SOLUTION: #774STRUCTURE AS THE LEADERSHIP PIPELINE
#774Structure is ALO’s commitment to build capacity in all 774 LGAs of Nigeria. It is how we move from conversation to action.
As an organization committed to accountable leadership, ALO will deliver the pipeline through 3 systems under #774Structure:
1. #774Civic Academies
Non-partisan, free, and accessible training in every LGA on governance, budgeting, policy, and public communication.
Reference: Our Nigeria House of Commons ran 13 episodes to demystify governance. TAF Africa is training PWD candidates. #774Structure will scale this to the grassroots.
2. #774Minimum Standards Framework
We will advocate for basic, non-negotiable standards for aspirants: financial literacy, mandatory town halls, costed manifestos, and a disability inclusion plan. This is not to exclude. It is to prepare.
3. #774Party Internship & Mentorship
Working with parties, we will push for a 6-month leadership school in each state chapter: 50% youth, 30% women, 5% PWDs. Graduation tied to a community project. Parties must become factories of leaders.
3. THE CHARGE TO THE NATION THROUGH #774STRUCTURE
To the 25-year-old in any of the 774 LGAs: Stop waiting. Pick your ward. Pick an issue. Food prices. Security. Disability access. Run for Exco. Volunteer. Hold your LG Chairman to account. #774Structure will provide the training.
To the 45-year-old: Mentor three people in your LGA. Open your doors. Transfer your knowledge.
The question before us is simple: If we don’t build the structure now, who will lead those looking up to us in 2027?
ALO WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT TOOLKIT – #774STRUCTURE EDITION
1. National Debate Motion:
“Political parties should be mandated by law to run accredited leadership training in all 774 LGAs before fielding candidates.”
2. Citizen Prompt:
Name one young person in your LGA who should be mentored for leadership. Tag them. #BuildTheBench #774Structure
3. Action Call:
This week, visit your LGA Secretariat. Ask: “What is your leadership development plan under #774Structure?”
4. Youth Challenge:
Stop waiting. Declare the office you will run for, volunteer for, or hold accountable this cycle. Join #774Structure.
This is Week 1 of 5. Next week we move to GOVERNANCE THAT WORKS: The Issues Nigerians Actually Debated — Through #774Structure.
ALO remains committed to moving conversations from noise to nation-building. Campaign season must be about ideas, inclusion, and infrastructure for the next generation.
Let us build the bench. In all 774 LGAs. Together.
Signed,
Engr. Dotun Sasore
Director General
African League Organization [ALO]
“Building Africa, One Leader at a Time | #774Structure”
#BuildTheBench #CampaignSeason #ALO #774Structure