Exclusive: ADC Candidate, Funsho Bows to Destiny’s Calling in Politics
The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ondo State, Mr. Funsho Joseph Olaseeni, has bowed to destiny’s calling by contesting for the House of Assembly in the 2027 general election. Disclosing this in an interview with journalists in Akure, Funsho said, “I believe it is destiny’s calling because I have known for a long time that I would become a politician.” The excerpt is below:
Your full name: My name is Funsho Joseph Olaseeni, popularly known as Aleeba. I was once an aspirant, but now I’m a candidate under the ADC for the House of Assembly, Akoko South-West Constituency. So I’m here to meet with the good people of the press for good and balanced interactions, and I believe we are going to enjoy it. Thank you.
Question: Why politics? Why not another profession? From what we heard about you, you don’t reside here. Why did you choose to come and contest here?
Answer: Thank you. I believe it is destiny’s calling because I have known for a long time that I would become a politician. I just didn’t know when or how, but I knew it would happen.
Everything started last year in June while I was still in Australia. I had planned to visit Nigeria with some of my spiritual mentors just to spend some time here. Then one of my friends, with whom I often discuss Nigerian politics and national issues, suggested that since I was coming home, I should declare my political intention and see what would happen.
The following day, another Nigerian friend, with whom I had discussed national issues for about four or five years, also encouraged me to go into politics. That was significant because he had never mentioned politics before. When two people independently gave me the same advice within a short period, I felt the time had come.
So I came to Nigeria. Politics was not the reason for my visit initially, but after receiving those words of encouragement, I decided to pursue it.
Question: The current member representing your constituency in the State House of Assembly is already there. What has he failed to do that you intend to do?
Answer: Thank you for the question. If someone before him served in that position, why did he also seek to replace that person? Now he is there, and I have decided that I also want to take over the position.
He may have tried his best, but the truth is that his best is not enough. I believe I have what it takes to do more than what he has done.
For example, I was informed that he empowered some people with ₦20,000 each and advised them not to misuse the money. In today’s economy, what meaningful empowerment can ₦20,000 provide? If it is for feeding, and you also tell them not to spend it, then what exactly should they do with it?
To me, that shows a lack of initiative and effective policies. That is what I want to change.
Question: You have spoken about your intentions, but you have not clearly presented your manifesto. What exactly are you bringing that will convince people to vote for you?
Answer: Our people in Akoko South-West are largely farmers. Leadership should address the real needs of the people rather than imposing what you think they need.
First, I will maintain regular meetings with my constituents so we can discuss their needs directly.
Secondly, I have already met with farmers in Shoebari and promised that, by God’s grace, I would establish a centre where they can easily access farm inputs such as fertilizers, seedlings, weed killers, and cutlasses. These items are currently difficult for them to obtain, and making them available locally will improve agricultural productivity.
Another priority is youth development through technical, vocational, educational, and ICT training. Equipping young people with practical skills will help them build their capacity and contribute to community development.
For elderly women, I believe stipends should be provided to support their welfare.
Healthcare is another priority. As a legislator, I will sponsor bills and facilitate improved medical supplies and upgrades to healthcare centres within the constituency.
These are some of the areas I am committed to pursuing for the development of my people.
Question: Politics is often described as a game of popularity. How popular are you, and do you believe your popularity is enough to win the election?
Answer: If the election were held today, I believe I would win. I am very popular in Akoko South-West, and I believe I also enjoy recognition across Ondo State and even beyond.
Question: Some people say your move from APC to ADC shows desperation. Are you desperate?
Answer: No, I am not desperate, and I can never be. Desperation is for people who have no future. I have confidence in my future.
I was in the APC, and I believe that if the primary election had been free and fair, I would have won. However, when it became clear that consensus would be used and a preferred candidate had already emerged, I understood the situation.
Since there was still enough time before the electoral deadline, I moved to another party where I contested for the ticket. I did not beg for it—I fought for it and earned it. That is not desperation.
Question: What is your level of acceptability in your constituency? Also, if elected, can you assure us that you will not defect to another party?
Answer: I believe I am widely accepted. If you ask people in Akoko South-West who the most popular candidate is, I am confident my name will come up.
Regarding defection, my focus is on serving my people effectively. If the APC becomes the majority in the Assembly, I would like the ADC to produce the Minority Leader, and I would like to play that role. Besides, nobody knows what tomorrow holds. Political parties evolve, and today’s minority could become tomorrow’s majority.
Question: What gives you confidence that your party can win?
Answer: This election involves only one office—the State House of Assembly. There is no governorship election on the same day. That makes it easier for voters to focus on one ballot, and I believe the people are determined to protect their votes until the results are announced.
Question: You had a comfortable life abroad. Why leave that behind to enter what many describe as the dirty world of politics?
Answer: If you truly want to bring lasting change, politics is one of the most effective avenues. Politicians make decisions that shape the future of society.
Many people say politics is dirty, but every area of life has its own challenges and uncertainties. Business is uncertain too—you never know whether it will succeed or fail. Politics is no different. Since I believe I have something positive to contribute, I am prepared to serve.
