Ayodele Adio: Keeping Governance Accountability, Democratic Credibility at the Centre of Public Discourse 

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle, a new generation of aspirants is placing governance accountability, economic stability, and democratic credibility at the centre of public discourse. One of them is Ayodele Adio, who has declared his intention to contest for Eti Osa Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In this conversation, he speaks on his motivation for joining the race, his focus on disciplined public spending, housing and transportation reforms, the impact of rising energy prices on Nigerians, and growing concerns about the state of the nation’s democracy. Uzoma Mba brings excerpts 

You’ve recently declared your intention to run for Eti-Osa Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Why now, and why you?

The decision to run at this time is not accidental. It is a response to what I see as a growing gap between public spending and public impact. Over the years, we have seen increasing budgets, rising revenues, and ambitious plans, yet the lived reality for many citizens has not improved at the same pace. That disconnect is what concerns me.

For me, I bring a very clear philosophy to governance: every kobo of public spending must deliver the greatest possible good for the greatest number of people. That principle sounds simple, but it is often missing in practice. I believe I have both the technical grounding and the policy focus to push for a more disciplined, outcomes driven approach to governance.

Eti Osa is one of the most economically vibrant constituencies in Lagos, but it is also one of the most unequal. You have luxury developments side by side with communities struggling with housing, transport, and infrastructure deficits. That contrast makes it even more important to have representation that is intentional, data driven, and people focused.

You’ve emphasised public spending efficiency. Can you break down what that means in practical terms for your constituents?

In practical terms, it means moving from spending for the sake of spending to spending for measurable outcomes. It means asking tough questions: What is the return on this project? Who benefits? How many people are impacted? Could this money be used more effectively elsewhere?

For example, if we invest in infrastructure, we must ensure it reduces commuting time, lowers transport costs, or improves access to economic opportunities. If we invest in housing, it should meaningfully reduce the housing deficit, not just create isolated projects that are unaffordable to the majority.

It also means strengthening oversight. The House of Assembly is not just a lawmaking body; it is a critical institution for ensuring accountability in how funds are used. I intend to take that responsibility seriously tracking projects, scrutinising budgets, and ensuring implementation matches appropriation.

You’ve highlighted public housing as a priority. Why is this so central to your agenda?

Housing is foundational. It affects everything: health, productivity, education, and general well being. Lagos has a housing deficit running into millions of units, and the private sector alone cannot bridge that gap, especially for low and middle income earners.

Government must take a more active role not just through policy, but through direct investment. We need a large scale, sustained public housing programme that prioritizes affordability and accessibility.

But beyond building houses, we must rethink how housing is delivered. It should be integrated with transport systems, employment hubs, and social infrastructure. Otherwise, you end up creating estates that are disconnected from economic life, which defeats the purpose.

For Eti Osa, this is particularly important because land values are high, and without deliberate intervention, many residents will continue to be priced out.

You also mentioned mass transportation. What specific changes would you advocate?

Transportation is one of the biggest constraints to productivity in Lagos. People spend hours commuting, businesses lose time and money, and the overall efficiency of the city suffers.

We need a multi modal approach: buses, ferries, and rail working together in a coordinated system. For Eti Osa, water transport is especially underutilized. With the right investment, ferries can significantly reduce pressure on roads.

I would advocate for increased funding for mass transit infrastructure, as well as policies that make public transport more affordable and reliable. The goal for me is to reduce travel time, reduce costs, and improve quality of life.

Let’s turn to the economy. Energy prices have been rising sharply due to global tensions, including the Iran conflict. How serious is the situation?

It is very serious, and it has immediate consequences for ordinary Nigerians. Energy costs feed into almost every aspect of the economy: transportation, food production, manufacturing, and services.

When petrol and diesel prices rise sharply, the effect is widespread. Transport fares increase, food prices go up, and small businesses face higher operating costs. If this continues unchecked, it can lead to reduced consumption, business closures, and job losses. So this is not just an energy issue, it is an economic stability issue.

You’ve proposed capping petrol prices at ₦1,000 per litre. Critics might argue that price controls distort markets. Why do you believe this is the right approach?

In normal circumstances, I would agree that markets should largely determine prices. But these are not normal circumstances. We are dealing with an external shock driven by geopolitical tensions.

At the same time, Nigeria is in a unique position as an oil producing country. Higher global prices mean higher government revenues a windfall that is not the result of increased productivity, but external factors.

In such a scenario, it is both reasonable and responsible for government to use part of that windfall to stabilize domestic prices. Capping petrol at ₦1,000 per litre, along with diesel stabilization, is not about permanent price control, it is about temporary economic protection.

If we allow prices to rise unchecked, consumption will fall, businesses will struggle, and unemployment will increase. By stabilising prices, we keep the economy moving, protect jobs, and prevent a deeper slide into poverty.

How do you respond to concerns about fiscal sustainability?

That is a valid concern, but it must be viewed in context. The policy I am proposing is tied directly to the windfall gains from higher oil prices. It is not about borrowing or creating new deficits, it is about reallocating unexpected revenue to protect citizens.

Moreover, the cost of inaction can be higher. If businesses collapse and unemployment rises, government will face increased social and economic pressures. Preventing that outcome is itself a form of fiscal responsibility.

Let’s discuss the political situation. There has been tension involving the ADC and INEC. What is your reading of what is happening?

What we are seeing is a troubling pattern that raises concerns about the health of our democracy. There appears to be increasing pressure on opposition parties, and that is not a good sign.

From all available indications, including internal polling across different platforms, it is becoming clear that the political landscape is shifting. President Tinubu is facing significant electoral headwinds, and the path to victory is far from assured.

In that context, the temptation to weaken opposition parties or limit their participation becomes stronger. But that is precisely what must be resisted.

Are you suggesting that there is an attempt to exclude opposition parties from the ballot?

What I am saying is that any action direct or indirect that has the effect of undermining the ability of opposition parties to participate freely in elections is deeply problematic.

Democracy is built on competition. When that competition is restricted, the legitimacy of the entire system is called into question.

If a government is confident in its performance and its support base, it should have no fear of open and fair elections.

You mentioned the role of INEC. What should the electoral body be doing at this moment?

INEC must remain firmly independent. The Chairman, in particular, carries a heavy responsibility. He must ensure that the commission operates strictly within the law and is not influenced by any politician, however highly placed.

The credibility of our elections depends on this. Once people begin to doubt the neutrality of INEC, the consequences can be far reaching.

You also referenced the law. Can you clarify your position on the legal issues involved?

Yes. The legal position is quite clear. Under the 2026 Electoral Act and reinforced by multiple Supreme Court decisions, intra party affairs, such as leadership and membership, are generally non justiciable.

This means that these are internal matters for political parties to resolve. Respecting this principle is essential for maintaining political pluralism and protecting the rights of parties to organise themselves.

What are the broader implications if this situation is not handled properly?

The implications are serious and could be grave. If opposition parties are weakened or excluded, it undermines the credibility of elections. If elections lose credibility, public trust erodes. And when trust erodes, democratic stability is put at risk.

This is not just about one party or one election, it is about the long term health of our democratic system. We are a democracy and not a monarchy: we elect leaders not coronate them. Hence, citizens must be allowed the option to choose from credible alternatives, chief of which is the ADC.

Finally, what message do you have for your constituents and Nigerians at large?

For Eti Osa Constituency II, I am offering a clear and practical agenda: efficient public spending, expanded public housing, and modern mass transportation.

At the national level, we must pursue policies that protect citizens from economic shocks while ensuring that our democratic institutions remain strong and independent.

Nigeria has immense potential, but realising that potential requires leadership that is focused, accountable, and committed to the public good. That is the kind of leadership I am offering and that is the difference that the ADC is bringing into the fold.