My vision is to provide effective representation through quality legislation — Onwubiko

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Thomas Victor Onwubiko, popularly known as TVO, has explained why he wants to represent the constituency in the state legislature.

In an interview with Brnzeson media recently, Onwubiko said his aspiration to serve was driven by a sincere desire to represent the interests of the people, promote grassroots development and build a constituency where everyone has access to opportunities, quality infrastructure, economic empowerment, security and responsive governance.

“I believe leadership is a responsibility that requires humility, accountability, compassion and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.

“My vision is to provide effective representation through quality legislation, constructive engagement with government and people-oriented initiatives that address the everyday challenges of our communities. My guiding principle is simple: Service Beyond Promises, Development Beyond Expectations,” he said.

On why he wants to represent Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II, Onwubiko said his decision was informed by his passion for grassroots development and desire to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the people.

“My decision to represent Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II comes from my passion for grassroots development and my desire to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our people. I believe our constituency deserves representation that goes beyond political promises.

“Our people need a representative who listens to their concerns, understands their challenges and works diligently to ensure that their voices are heard in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

“My blueprint manifesto, known as the TVO Agenda: Service, Development, Empowerment and Prosperity for All, outlines my priorities for the constituency.

“I intend to focus on quality legislation, youth empowerment, job creation, women’s economic empowerment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, security and support for small businesses.

“I want to advocate opportunities that will enable young people to acquire vocational and technical skills, support entrepreneurship and access digital opportunities. I also want to promote educational support, improved healthcare services, better roads and drainage, street lighting and safer communities,” he said.

On how he intends to promote good governance if elected, Onwubiko said transparency, accountability, effective legislation, public participation and responsible leadership would guide his approach to representation.

“Good governance requires transparency, accountability, effective legislation, public participation and responsible leadership. If elected, I will use the constitutional responsibilities of a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly to promote these principles.

“My approach will be guided by the commitments contained in my blueprint manifesto.

“First, quality legislation and effective representation. I will sponsor and support bills that promote economic growth, youth development, education, healthcare and social welfare. I will also ensure that the concerns and interests of Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II receive appropriate attention in the Assembly.

“My commitment is to ensure that the TVO Agenda translates into practical legislative priorities and sustained efforts to improve the lives of our people,” he said.

Speaking on the NDC’s chances of victory in the 2027 general election, Onwubiko said the party was approaching the polls with a commitment to people-centred governance, grassroots engagement and efforts to strengthen public confidence in democratic leadership.

“Our prospects will depend on our ability to organise effectively, communicate our policies clearly, build meaningful relationships with communities and earn the trust of voters.

“At the constituency level, I believe candidates must demonstrate that they understand the needs of the people and have a practical agenda for addressing them.

“This is why I have developed the TVO Agenda, which sets out my priorities for education, healthcare, youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, infrastructure, security and economic development.

“The NDC’s presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is also an important part of the party’s national political platform.

“However, we recognise that electoral success cannot be taken for granted. It must be pursued through effective organisation, credible policies, public engagement and the confidence of the electorate,” he said.

On voter apathy, which he linked to dissatisfaction with governance, Onwubiko described the situation as a serious concern, particularly when citizens feel disappointed by the performance of political leaders or believe that their participation does not lead to meaningful change.

“I believe we must acknowledge the concerns of Nigerians rather than blame them for losing confidence in the political process.

“The responsibility lies with political leaders to demonstrate that public office is about service, accountability and the welfare of the people.

“My approach will be to encourage continuous engagement between representatives and their constituents, not just during election periods,” he said.

Onwubiko said the NDC should be judged by its policies, principles, leadership conduct and the results it seeks to deliver.

“Every political party seeking public trust must demonstrate that it understands the needs of the people and has practical ideas for addressing them.

“Our agenda focuses on people-centred governance, economic empowerment, quality education, healthcare improvement, infrastructure, community safety and accountability.

“For instance, I intend to advocate vocational and technical training opportunities for young people, support for women-owned businesses, educational assistance for students, medical outreaches, improved drainage and street lighting, and business support initiatives for traders and artisans.

“Rather than simply criticising other parties, I believe the NDC must demonstrate its values through responsible leadership, credible programmes and constructive engagement with Nigerians,” he said.

Expressing confidence in the prospects of the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket, Onwubiko said Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso could win the 2027 presidential election with the right strategies, effective mobilisation, strong grassroots engagement and the collective support of Nigerians seeking a change in leadership.

“At this critical moment in our nation’s history, many Nigerians are calling for a government that will listen to the masses, address the economic challenges confronting ordinary citizens, create employment opportunities, strengthen security, improve education and healthcare, and provide a better future for our young people.

“I believe the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket has an opportunity to connect with these aspirations.

“Nigerians want a government that understands their struggles, values their sacrifices and makes their welfare a priority.

“The government the masses are looking forward to in 2027 is one that will put the people first, and I believe Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have an opportunity to present that alternative,” he said.

Onwubiko urged residents of Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II to support a vision of representation anchored on service, accountability and improved living conditions.

“My message to the people of Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II is that effective representation must be measured by service, accountability and the commitment to improving people’s lives.

“My blueprint, the TVO Agenda, sets out my priorities for a constituency where young people can access opportunities, women can participate meaningfully in economic development, students can pursue education, businesses can grow, communities can become safer and residents can have a stronger voice in governance.,” he said.