By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Mr Debo Adesina, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Kosofe Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, has expressed confidence in the opposition’s chances in the 2027 general elections, saying his party is preparing to protect its votes and challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adesina made this known in an exclusive interview with Kosofe Post ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that the opposition should not be intimidated by the APC’s incumbency advantage.
He alleged that previous electoral defeats of opposition parties were partly caused by internal weaknesses and loopholes that were exploited during elections. He claimed that some opposition members had compromised their parties’ interests in exchange for incentives.
“This time around, we are 100 per cent vigilant to take care of that arena. What we want to do is make sure we hit the ground running and protect our votes,” he said.
Adesina said the ADC would mobilise voters and insist on a peaceful electoral process, adding that the party did not encourage violence or vote-buying.
He argued that the party wanted residents to support candidates based on their plans for good governance rather than material inducements.
“We don’t need to cry because we have answers to the problems of our citizens. Everywhere you go, people cry about food, but our party does not want to use food, the way some distribute it, to entice people to vote for them. We are against vote-buying,” he said.
YOU MAY AlSO LIKE: ADC Kosofe Faces Fresh Crisis as Party Member Disputes Debo Adesina’s Candidacy
The candidate urged residents to turn out in large numbers in 2027 and vote for what he described as a new direction for Kosofe and Lagos State.
Promises ICT Training Centre for Youths
Adesina promised to establish a modern information and communications technology (ICT) training centre in Kosofe to equip young people with digital skills and improve their opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
He said the proposed centre would offer different forms of training, although he did not specify the courses, funding arrangements or implementation timeline.
The candidate said education and skills development were essential to addressing youth unemployment and discouraging involvement in crime and other social vices.
“We need to let our people know that education is still the key to unlocking the potential in individuals,” he said.
He also said he would oppose borrowing arrangements that left graduates without employment opportunities after completing their education.
Pledges Ecology Fund to Address Erosion
On environmental challenges, Adesina promised to push for the establishment of an ecology fund to address erosion and related problems in communities across the constituency.
He said the proposed intervention would help tackle environmental issues affecting residents, although he did not provide details on the fund’s proposed structure, financing or relationship with existing government ecological funding arrangements.
Supports State Police, Calls for Community Policing
Adesina expressed support for the establishment of state police, arguing that effective security was necessary for economic growth, investment and development.
However, he cautioned that some state governors could misuse state police structures to intimidate political opponents.
He therefore called for community policing to receive greater attention, with local governments playing a stronger role in protecting residents, their rights and property.
“I think community policing should be given priority now. Local governments should be empowered to govern and work around the safety of people, their rights and properties, rather than making it a mere political statement,” he said.
He added that insecurity could discourage investment because businesses were unlikely to commit resources to an environment where people and property were not adequately protected.
Promises Quarterly Town Halls, Constituency Reports
The ADC candidate also pledged to strengthen accountability between elected representatives and residents through quarterly town hall meetings and regular constituency reports.
He said he would establish mechanisms that would allow constituents to monitor his performance, raise concerns and hold him accountable throughout his tenure.
Adesina further promised to lobby for constitutional and legislative reforms that would restore greater autonomy to local governments.
He said he would seek support from other lawmakers and relevant stakeholders to advance legislation aimed at strengthening local government administration.