Oyarekwa Felix-Aderi Calls For Political Change, Accountability In Akoko-Edo Constituency II
Amb. (Dr.) Austine Oyarekwa Felix-Aderi, the National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Akoko-Edo Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly, has called for a new political direction anchored on accountability, competence, transparency and purposeful representation.
Oyarekwa, who is seeking the mandate to represent the constituency, said Nigeria’s persistent governance challenges require more than changes in political leadership, stressing the need for a fundamental shift in political culture and the way public officeholders discharge their responsibilities.
In his message to the people of Akoko-Edo Constituency II, the candidate identified poor infrastructure, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, unreliable electricity and weak accountability as some of the challenges undermining development across the country.
He argued that despite Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources, the country’s development potential remained constrained by a political system that often places greater emphasis on political loyalty, financial inducements, patronage and electoral victories than on public service and measurable results.
According to him, meaningful progress will remain elusive unless citizens begin to prioritise competence, character, transparency and proven commitment to development when making electoral decisions.
Oyarekwa maintained that Akoko-Edo Constituency II deserves effective representation that extends beyond campaign promises and occasional visits to communities.
He said legislative representation should involve identifying the needs of constituents, advocating policies and projects that address those needs, supporting beneficial legislation, scrutinising government decisions and holding public institutions accountable.
The NDP candidate also called for a departure from personality-driven politics towards a performance-based political culture in which elected representatives are judged by their contributions to community development and the quality of their engagement with constituents.
He emphasised that sustainable development requires deliberate efforts to create opportunities, strengthen public institutions and ensure that the concerns of ordinary citizens receive consistent attention.
On citizens’ responsibility in the democratic process, Oyarekwa urged the electorate to reject vote-buying, political intimidation and other practices capable of undermining the credibility of elections.
He noted that citizens must take responsibility for the quality of leadership they elect, adding that democratic participation should not end after casting ballots but should continue through civic engagement, public discussions and sustained demands for accountability.
Describing the ballot as an instrument of democratic power, he urged voters to make informed choices based on candidates’ competence, character, vision and commitment to public service rather than temporary inducements or political pressure.
Explaining his decision to contest for the Edo State House of Assembly, Oyarekwa said his aspiration was driven by the need for purposeful representation, stronger legislative advocacy, sustained community engagement and accountable leadership in Akoko-Edo Constituency II.
He stressed that his ambition was not simply to appear on the ballot or occupy a political office, but to secure the people’s mandate and translate it into responsible service.
The candidate further expressed his desire to promote a political culture in which elected representatives recognise public office as a responsibility entrusted to them by the people rather than a personal possession.
To achieve a better future for the constituency, Oyarekwa outlined five priorities: electing leaders based on competence and character; rejecting temporary electoral inducements; demanding accountability and transparent reporting; sustaining citizens’ participation in governance beyond election day; and entrusting public responsibilities to individuals committed to practical action and service.
He said these principles were essential to building a political system that responds to the needs of the people and delivers results that can be assessed by the electorate.
Oyarekwa also highlighted the importance of addressing the aspirations of young people, improving living conditions for families and ensuring that communities receive the attention required to advance their development.
He maintained that the constituency could not afford to remain trapped in a cycle of unfulfilled promises and disappointing outcomes, urging residents to embrace a new direction through informed political choices and active participation in the democratic process.
Calling on the electorate to support his candidacy, the NDP hopeful reiterated his determination to contest for the mandate to represent Akoko-Edo Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly.
He urged the people to support his aspiration as a choice for purposeful representation, accountability and a new political direction.
“Akoko-Edo Constituency II cannot afford to remain trapped in a cycle of unfulfilled promises and disappointing outcomes. The future will not change through complaints alone. It requires courage, participation and the willingness to make better choices,” he stated in his message.
Oyarekwa concluded by urging residents to rise above political divisions and work towards a future in which governance is measured by service, accountability and tangible improvements in the lives of the people.
He called on the electorate to vote for the NDP in the forthcoming election, expressing confidence in his aspiration to win the people’s mandate and serve as their representative in the Edo State House of Assembly.
