Reps Aspirant Steve Amuda Criticizes Aiyedatiwa Administration Over Alleged Neglect of Akoko North Federal Constituency

ADC House of Representatives aspirant Steve Amuda criticizes Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero over alleged infrastructural neglect in Akoko North East/North West Federal Constituency, presenting himself as an alternative with international governance experience.

Hon. Steve Amuda, an aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the House of Representatives seat representing Akoko North East/North West Federal Constituency, has strongly criticized the administration of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero, alleging prolonged infrastructural neglect and ineffective representation.

Amuda described the current administration’s performance as disappointing, particularly in light of increased federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidies.

Allegations of Infrastructure Deficit and Economic Stagnation

According to Amuda, despite significant FAAC allocations received by Ondo State in the past year, visible development in Akoko North remains minimal.

He highlighted key concerns including:

• Deteriorating road networks, described as unsafe and economically isolating rural communities from markets.
• Lack of economic infrastructure and business support systems, limiting entrepreneurship and local investment.
• Rising insecurity, including reports of kidnappings and criminal activities affecting residents.
• Worsening poverty levels, despite increased federal revenue inflows.

Amuda argued that the administration has focused more on publicity than measurable development outcomes.

Criticism of Federal Representation

The ADC aspirant also directed criticism at Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero, accusing the incumbent representative of inadequate constituency impact.

He alleged:

• Excessive emphasis on public relations and media engagements.
• Insufficient tangible projects addressing local infrastructure and security challenges.
• Overreliance on political alliances without delivering grassroots transformation.

Amuda described the administration’s public celebrations as premature, asserting that the people of Akoko North deserve measurable results rather than political rhetoric.

Positioning as an Alternative Candidate

In presenting himself as a viable alternative, Amuda emphasized his extensive background in governance, international development, and peacebuilding.

Professional Experience

He has reportedly managed and collaborated on donor-funded programs supported by:

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• U.S. Embassy
• MacArthur Foundation
• Ford Foundation
• Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA)
• Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
• Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD)
• Australian, Canadian, and Norwegian institutions

He states that his work involved aligning ministries, development partners, and local stakeholders to strengthen governance systems and democratic participation across West Africa.

Academic Credentials

Amuda’s academic background includes:

✓ National Diploma in Administration & Management

✓ B.Sc. in Political Science

✓ Master’s degrees in:

• International Affairs and Diplomacy
• Peacebuilding and Development
• Counselling and Conflict Transformation
• International Relations
• Transitional Justice

✓ Ph.D. in Peace and Conflict Resolution

He asserts that this multidisciplinary expertise positions him to design and implement policies focused on:

• Economic revitalization
• Human security
• Democratic governance
• Sustainable peace initiatives

Amuda concluded by stating that once the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially permits campaign activities, he will formally present his policy roadmap to constituents.

He framed his candidacy as a departure from what he described as “empty promises without tangible progress,” positioning himself as a development-focused alternative for Akoko North East/North West.

As political momentum builds ahead of future electoral activities in Ondo State, discussions surrounding infrastructure, economic development, and security are expected to dominate public discourse.

Stakeholders across Akoko North East/North West Federal Constituency will be watching closely to evaluate competing visions for representation and governance.