The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Akure South/Akure North Federal Constituency in Ondo State, Balarabe Akinwumi, has pledged to support the reinstatement of fuel subsidy if elected into the House of Representatives.
Akinwumi said the removal of the subsidy had increased the economic hardship faced by Nigerians, arguing that the policy should be reversed and properly monitored to prevent corruption and ensure that its benefits reach the people.
The ADC candidate made the position known while speaking with journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Tuesday.
He also pledged to support legislation establishing state police, describing both policies as necessary measures to address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
“Our party has made it clear that we need to return subsidy and make it work for the benefit of our people. There is no country in the world that does not find a way to cushion the effects of some sectors through interventions,” he said.
On insecurity, Akinwumi argued that Nigeria could no longer depend on outdated security methods to confront emerging threats.
“We can no longer be policing current security threats with 20th-century tools. We need to invest in intelligence gathering, modern equipment and technology to meet the security challenges confronting the country,” he added.
He described insecurity in parts of Ondo State as a major concern, noting that state police would allow security personnel to develop a better understanding of the local terrain, languages and cultures of the communities they serve.
Akinwumi further called for increased funding for security agencies and greater investment in surveillance technology, drones, night-vision equipment and intelligence gathering.
He stressed the need for proper monitoring of security budgets to ensure that allocated funds were used for their intended purposes.
The ADC candidate also advocated community policing through stronger collaboration among traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and security agencies, saying such partnerships would improve intelligence sharing and public participation in security efforts.
On his legislative priorities, Akinwumi promised to sponsor and support motions aimed at addressing infrastructure and economic challenges in Akure South and Akure North if elected.
He identified poor road networks, unemployment, poverty and limited economic opportunities as some of the major problems confronting residents of the constituency.
According to him, his legislative agenda would focus on infrastructure development, vocational training, job creation and improved access to financial support for small businesses.
Addressing women’s empowerment, the ADC candidate proposed a review of existing loan requirements that he said make it difficult for women and young entrepreneurs to benefit from government-backed financial interventions.
He also promised to pursue partnerships that would connect women-owned businesses with agencies such as the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Bank of Industry (BOI), with the aim of improving access to affordable financing.
