2027: I won’t be a rubber stamp if elected, says ADC Assembly candidate Aare Abiodun
Aare Abiodun Oluwarotimi promises accountable representation, youth empowerment, interest-free loans
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Akure South Constituency I in the February 2027 Ondo State House of Assembly election, Aare Abiodun Oluwarotimi, has promised to provide credible, accountable and people-oriented representation if elected.
In this interview with Julius Alabi of TheNiche, Oluwarotimi speaks on his ambition, plans to tackle insecurity, empower women and youths, support farmers, promote education and ensure that the resources meant for the constituency are judiciously utilised. He also promises not to be a rubber stamp in the Assembly, while pledging to initiate people-oriented bills and motions.
Q: What informed your decision to contest for the Akure South Constituency I seat in the Ondo State House of Assembly?
My decision to contest is borne out of my desire to give the people of Akure South Constituency I the kind of representation they deserve. I believe our people need a representative who understands their challenges, listens to their concerns and has the courage to speak for them.
I am coming into this race with a clear vision of service, accountability and development. I want to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and that their interests are adequately protected in the Assembly. My ambition is not about occupying a political office but about making a positive difference in the lives of my people.
Q: What are your major plans for the constituency if elected in 2027?
My agenda covers several areas that directly affect the welfare and development of our people. These include security, women’s economic empowerment, youth engagement, support for farmers and educational opportunities for our children.
I intend to promote interest-free loans for women to enable them to expand their businesses and become financially independent. I also believe that our youths must be meaningfully engaged and empowered so that they will not be available to be used for social vices.
For our farmers, I will pursue policies and interventions that will support their activities, improve agricultural productivity and enhance their livelihoods.
Education will also receive serious attention. I intend to utilise part of my constituency allowance to provide JAMB application forms for deserving students and assist them with NECO registration. Education should not become inaccessible to children simply because their parents cannot afford the necessary examination fees.
Q: Insecurity has become a major concern across the country. How do you intend to address this challenge at the constituency level?
Security is fundamental to development. No community can make meaningful progress when its people live in fear.
If elected, I will give serious attention to security matters by working with relevant security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders to identify the peculiar security challenges facing our communities.
I will also use my position in the Assembly to advocate stronger security measures and policies that will protect lives and property. I believe security should be a collective responsibility, and our communities must be involved in finding lasting solutions.
Q: How do you intend to ensure that your constituents benefit directly from the constituency allowance?
I believe public resources must be used for the benefit of the people. Constituency allowance should not be seen as a personal entitlement but as an opportunity to improve the welfare of the people being represented.
I will ensure that the resources available to me are deployed responsibly, transparently and in ways that address the actual needs of the constituency.
For instance, supporting students with JAMB forms and NECO registration is one practical way of investing in the future of our children. I also intend to identify other areas where the resources can make meaningful differences in people’s lives.
Q: What will distinguish your representation from what the people have experienced in the past?
My commitment is to give the people credible, responsible and accountable representation. I will not be a representative who disappears after winning an election or only remembers the people when another election is approaching.
I intend to institutionalise regular engagement with my constituents through an all-inclusive town hall meeting every quarter. This will provide an opportunity for the people to express their concerns, make suggestions and receive feedback on the activities and achievements of their representative.
I will also appoint liaison officers in each of the six wards in the constituency. Their responsibility will be to brief me regularly on the needs, challenges and developmental priorities of their respective wards.
Through this arrangement, I will remain connected to the grassroots and ensure that no ward is neglected.
Q: Will you be an independent voice in the House of Assembly, particularly when government policies do not favour your constituents?
Absolutely. I want to make it clear that I will not be a rubber stamp if elected.
My responsibility will be to represent the interests of the people who elected me. I will support government policies and programmes that are beneficial to the people, but I will not hesitate to speak out when decisions are not in their best interests.
I will support motions and initiate bills that will improve the living conditions of my constituents and address the challenges confronting them.
I believe the legislature must be allowed to perform its constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight and effective representation. Being in the same political system with the government should not prevent me from speaking the truth.
Q: What is your position on the removal of fuel subsidy, which has continued to generate widespread public concern?
The removal of fuel subsidy is one of the major issues confronting Nigerians today. Its consequences have affected the cost of transportation, food, essential commodities and virtually every aspect of daily life.
I believe the concerns of ordinary Nigerians must be taken seriously. If elected, I will join other voices in the Assembly to advocate the restoration of fuel subsidy, considering the enormous economic pressure Nigerians are currently facing.
Government must always put the welfare of the people at the centre of its policies.
Q: How do you intend to work with the state government, considering that effective representation also requires cooperation with the Executive?
I believe in maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with the Executive arm of government. However, such a relationship must be based on the interests of the people and not personal political benefits.
As a representative, I will engage the state government constructively to ensure that our constituency gets what rightfully belongs to it in terms of projects, infrastructure, social amenities and other developmental interventions.
There is no wisdom in unnecessary confrontation when cooperation can bring development to the people. At the same time, cooperation must never compromise my responsibility to hold government accountable.
Q: Are you confident of winning the February 2027 election, considering the political strength of the ruling party?
Yes, I am confident of winning the election. I believe the political consciousness of voters has improved, and the people are becoming more discerning in making electoral choices.
Our people understand that elections are about their future and the future of their children. I am optimistic that they will make decisions based on competence, credibility and the quality of representation candidates can offer, rather than allow their votes to be influenced by financial inducements.
I am taking my campaign to the people with confidence because I believe they want a representative who will genuinely serve them.
Q: What is your final message to the people of Akure South Constituency I ahead of the 2027 election?
My message is simple: give me your mandate, and I will not fail you.
I am offering myself for service, and I understand the responsibility that comes with the people’s trust. I want the people to know that this ambition is about them, their welfare, their children and the future of our constituency.
I will provide credible representation, ensure regular consultation and remain accessible to the people. I will also work tirelessly to attract development to our communities and ensure that their interests are protected in the Assembly.
I appeal to the people of Akure South Constituency I to support the ADC and entrust me with their mandate in February 2027. Together, we can build a constituency where the people are heard, opportunities are created and development reaches every ward.
