A security expert and People’s Democratic Party aspirant for Kosofe Constituency 1, the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Honourable Debo Adesina, last Thursday shared his consultation progress and plans, among others, with the Kosofe Post. excerpts
Kosofe Post: Can you tell us how far you have gone in your consultation and campaign preparation?
Debo Adesina: As a seasonal politician, I have been on the journey of coming to contest an election in Nigeria since 2019, after what I saw during the election. My consultation did not begin recently, but rather three to two years ago.
My ancestors speak for themselves, as does my father’s involvement in community and political development, even when Kosofe was under Shomolu local government.
In the history of the PDP or APC, nobody has ever come out of my ward to vie for a House Assembly position. History will be made.
KP: How has your experience been in politics?
Debo: Politics runs in my system. My parents were big players, and I have been in it since. My last executive position was as Deputy Chairman of PDP South Africa, and I am still the South West leader in Diaspora. We are a large chapter that has hosted many dignitaries from Nigeria, including the former President and the PDP National Chairman.
KP: What would you do differently if elected?
Debo: That’s a great question. In fact, I have noticed the ruling party leadership is not for Nigeria’s masses, mostly in Lagos State. My four-year tenure as a member of the House Assembly is to push for a bill that will keep our youth busy instead of fighting and making insecurity the ringing tone.
Secondly, the health sector needs a relook and new stands. I am from the security industry, while my partner is from the health sector. My plan is bigger because my slogan says, “Security is My Business, Peace is My Mission.”
KP: What is your take on local government autonomy?
It will give independent decisions to enable each local government leadership to run properly and take decisive action, but only if the executive chairman knows what to do.
KP: To win an election, the strength of the thugs you have matters. How many thugs do you have?
Debo: Thugs? Nobody is born a thug. Society makes thugs call themselves thugs. My district is free of thugs because all of the names I’ve been hearing are those of brothers I grew up with and who have a wonderful and well-educated background. Winning an election is all about ideology and promises made.
KP: If your party must adopt a consensus arrangement, tell us why your party decision makers should consider you as the standard flagbearer.
Debo: I am in this race to win, not just to contest. My candidate will be a big plus to us as a party because I am a diasporan with experience of living in a country where things work.
KP: Major party candidates run away from public debate. If given your party’s mandate, would you welcome public engagements?
Debo: I am 100% ready. In fact, we need a public debate. It will make the incumbent responsible for his actions for almost four years in office.
KP: Ahead of the primary election for the House of Assembly, what’s your message to party delegates?
Debo: The election is still on May 7th, 2022, and the rules are simple: vote for a winning spirit. Not just a contestant, but a victor.