As the 2027 general elections approach, Thomas Victor Onwubiko (TVO), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, outlines his vision for effective representation, quality legislation, youth empowerment, and grassroots development. In this interview, he discusses governance, voter apathy, and his party’s electoral prospects. Excerpts:
May we meet you?
My name is Hon. Thomas Victor Onwubiko, popularly known as TVO. I am the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing 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 contribute to building 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.
Why do you want to represent Amuwo-Odofin Constituency II?
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 for 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.
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. 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.
What are the chances of NDC victory at the polls?
The NDC is approaching the 2027 general election with a commitment to people-centred governance, grassroots engagement, and the need to strengthen public confidence in democratic leadership. Our prospects will depend on our ability to organize 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 recognize that electoral success cannot be taken for granted. It must be pursued through effective organization, credible policies, public engagement, and the confidence of the electorate.
How would you contain voter apathy, seemingly arising from bad governance already in the country?
Voter apathy is 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.
What makes NDC different 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 the needs of the people and has practical ideas for addressing them. The agenda focuses on people-centred governance, economic empowerment, quality education, healthcare improvement, infrastructure, community safety, and accountability. For instance, I intend to advocate for 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 criticizing other parties, I believe the NDC must demonstrate its values through responsible leadership, credible programmes, and constructive engagement with Nigerians.
Do you see Obi/Kwankwaso winning the presidential election?
Yes, I believe Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso will win the 2027 presidential election with the right strategies, effective mobilization, strong grassroots engagement, and the collective support of Nigerians who desire 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.
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. Thank you for having me.
