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By Adebowale Johnson
Thomas Victor Onwubiko, popularly known as TVO, is the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II in the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly election. In this interview with Daily Sun, he speaks on his legislative agenda, grassroots development, voter apathy and the prospects of the NDC in the forthcoming elections.
What is your vision for Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II?
My aspiration to serve is driven by a sincere desire to represent the interests of our people, promote grassroots development and help build a constituency where residents have access to opportunities, quality infrastructure, economic empowerment, security and responsive governance.
I believe leadership 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.
Why do you want to represent the constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly?
My decision is driven by my passion for grassroots development and my desire to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our people. Our constituency deserves representation that goes beyond political promises. Residents need a representative who listens to their concerns and works to ensure their voices are heard in the Assembly.
My blueprint, the TVO Agenda, focuses on service, development, empowerment and prosperity for all. Its priorities include quality legislation, youth empowerment, job creation, women’s economic empowerment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, security and support for small businesses.
I also intend to advocate opportunities for young people to acquire vocational and technical skills, support entrepreneurship and access digital opportunities. Other priorities include educational support, improved healthcare, better roads and drainage, street lighting and safer communities.
How would you promote good governance if elected?
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.
I intend to sponsor and support bills that promote economic growth, youth development, education, healthcare and social welfare. I will also ensure that the concerns of Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II receive appropriate attention in the Assembly.
My commitment is to translate the TVO Agenda into practical legislative priorities and sustained efforts to improve people’s lives.
What are the chances of the NDC winning in 2027?
The NDC is approaching the 2027 general election with a commitment to people-centred governance, grassroots engagement and rebuilding 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 voters’ trust.
At the constituency level, candidates must demonstrate that they understand people’s needs and have practical agendas for addressing them. My TVO Agenda outlines priorities in 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, electoral success cannot be taken for granted. It must be pursued through effective organisation, credible policies, public engagement and the confidence of the electorate.
How would you address voter apathy, particularly amid public dissatisfaction with governance?
Voter apathy is a serious concern, particularly when citizens feel disappointed by political leaders or believe their participation does not lead to meaningful change.
We must acknowledge people’s concerns rather than blame them for losing confidence in the political process. Political leaders have a responsibility to demonstrate that public office is about service, accountability and the welfare of the people.
My approach would be to encourage continuous engagement between elected representatives and their constituents, rather than limiting interaction to election periods. Representatives must remain accessible, listen to complaints and communicate what they are doing to address them.
Restoring public confidence requires leaders to demonstrate accountability and show that citizens’ participation matters.
What distinguishes the NDC from other political parties?
I believe 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 people’s needs and has practical ideas for addressing them.
Our agenda focuses on people-centred governance, economic empowerment, quality education, improved healthcare, infrastructure, community safety and accountability.
At the constituency level, I intend to advocate vocational and technical training 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.
Do you believe Obi and Kwankwaso can win the 2027 presidential election?
Yes, I believe Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso can win the 2027 presidential election with the right strategies, effective mobilisation, strong grassroots engagement and the support of Nigerians who desire a change in leadership.
Many Nigerians want a government that will listen to them, address economic challenges, create employment opportunities, strengthen security, improve education and healthcare, and provide a better future for 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.
However, victory will depend on how effectively the candidates communicate their programmes, mobilise voters and convince the electorate that they can deliver on their promises.
What is your message to the people of Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II?
My message is that effective representation must be measured by service, accountability and a commitment to improving people’s lives.
My 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.
I am committed to pursuing these objectives through responsible representation, constructive engagement and quality legislation.
