2027: Oyarekwa Felix Unveils 8-Point Agenda, Promises Accountable Representation For Akoko-Edo Constituency II
Amb. (Dr.) Austine Oyarekwa Felix-Aderi, the National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Akoko-Edo Constituency II in the 2027 Edo State House of Assembly election, has unveiled an eight-point development agenda, outlining his vision for purposeful legislation, effective constituency representation and greater accountability in governance.
Oyarekwa, in presenting his political vision, said the constituency needed a new approach to legislative leadership that would move beyond the distribution of handouts and focus on policies, laws and institutional engagements capable of addressing the people's long-standing development needs.
He explained that his ambition was not merely to occupy a seat in the Edo State House of Assembly but to use the legislative platform to advance the interests of his constituents, advocate equitable distribution of government resources and ensure that public institutions remain accountable to the people.
Central to his proposed agenda is purposeful lawmaking, with a commitment to promoting legislation that supports job creation, agriculture, education, healthcare and infrastructure development.
He also identified budget advocacy as a major priority, promising to engage relevant government institutions to ensure that Akoko-Edo receives appropriate attention in the provision of roads, electricity, potable water and educational facilities.
On accountability and oversight, the NDP candidate said he would use the constitutional responsibilities of the legislature to demand transparency in public expenditure, monitor government programmes and question policies or projects that fail to address the needs of the people.
Another key component of his agenda is the conversion of the area's mineral resources into tangible community benefits. He pledged to advocate responsible mining practices, environmental protection and policies that ensure host communities benefit from the natural resources extracted from their land.
Oyarekwa also identified agriculture and economic development as important areas requiring legislative attention, noting the need to create opportunities for farmers, encourage enterprise development and strengthen the local economy.
His agenda further prioritises youth and women empowerment through skills acquisition, vocational training and enterprise support, rather than dependence on temporary handouts.
In the education and healthcare sectors, he pledged to advocate policies and government interventions that would improve access to quality education and essential medical services.
He equally promised to operate an accessible and people-centred representation model, where constituents would have opportunities to communicate their concerns, participate in discussions about development priorities and receive regular feedback on legislative activities.
100-Day Action Plan
As part of his proposed first 100 days in office, Oyarekwa outlined a three-phase action plan designed to establish a working relationship between his office and the constituency.
Within the first 40 days, he plans to open a constituency office and begin documenting the priorities, challenges and development expectations of the people.
By the 60th day, he intends to engage relevant ministries, departments and government agencies to pursue interventions in identified areas.
At the end of 100 days, he proposes to initiate legislative motions and present a constituency development roadmap outlining priority issues and areas requiring government attention.
The candidate also outlined five major commitments to the people: making laws that serve their interests, advocating for their fair share of resources, demanding accountability from government institutions, defending the interests of communities and maintaining an accessible relationship with constituents.
Acknowledging the limits of what an individual legislator can independently accomplish, Oyarekwa noted that although he might not personally construct every road or execute every public project, he would ensure that the needs and concerns of the constituency receive attention at the appropriate levels of government.
His proposed agenda places emphasis on the legislative, oversight and representative responsibilities of the State Assembly, while highlighting the importance of collaboration with the executive arm of government and relevant development institutions.
The 2027 election will provide an opportunity for voters in Akoko-Edo Constituency II to assess the candidates, their policy proposals, leadership experience and capacity to represent their interests in the Edo State House of Assembly.
Oyarekwa is seeking the mandate of the electorate on the platform of the NDP under the message of responsible legislative leadership and people-centred representation.
