Lawyer joins race for House of Representatives
A lawyer and tax expert, Olugbuyiro Akindele Akinola, has declared his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives. He pledged to bring competence, accountability, and technical
A lawyer and tax expert, Olugbuyiro Akindele Akinola, has declared his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.
He pledged to bring competence, accountability, and technical expertise to legislative duties.
The lawyer seeks to represent Akure North/South Federal Constituency.
Akinola, who currently serves as a Commissioner at the Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) on a part-time basis, said his decision to join the race was driven by a desire to strengthen governance through informed lawmaking and effective representation.
In campaign messages shared through public engagements and online platforms, the aspirant emphasised the need for a shift from what he described as “routine representation” to a more purposeful and result-driven approach in the National Assembly.
He noted that Nigeria’s current socio-economic challenges require lawmakers with a strong understanding of legal, financial, and regulatory systems, stressing that his professional background positions him to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He said representation must go beyond mere presence in the legislature and should translate into measurable impact on the lives of constituents.
Akinola brings over two decades of experience spanning legal practice, taxation, banking, and media.
His career cuts across both the private and public sectors, with a focus on commercial law, oil and gas transactions, corporate restructuring, and tax advisory.
He is a founding partner at Stonewaters Law Office, where he has handled complex financial and regulatory transactions, including cross-border financing and structured deals.
His legal expertise also covers insolvency litigation and compliance matters involving federal securities laws.
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Before establishing his law firm, Akinola worked with reputable organisations, including Olaniwun Ajayi LP and George Etomi & Partners, where he gained experience in corporate and commercial law.
His early career began in the banking sector at Trans International Bank during his National Youth Service, after which he transitioned into tax practice with Ruku & Associates.
In addition to his legal work, Akinola has contributed to public discourse through journalism.
He previously worked as a financial correspondent with media organisations such as The Comet and The Nation, covering economic and financial issues.
Akinola’s appointment as a Commissioner at the Tax Appeal Tribunal underscores his involvement in Nigeria’s fiscal and legal system.
The tribunal serves as a quasi-judicial body responsible for resolving disputes between taxpayers and government revenue agencies.
In this role, he has participated in adjudicating tax-related cases and contributing to the interpretation of fiscal laws, a responsibility that has further strengthened his understanding of public finance and governance.
He also serves as the editor of the Federal Tax Law Reports, a publication that provides analysis of Supreme Court decisions on tax matters, reinforcing his standing as a thought leader in the field.
Although presenting himself as a candidate focused on professional competence, Akinola has a history of political involvement.
His affiliations date back to the early 1990s when he was associated with the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
He later became active in the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and subsequently the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he has held various roles.
He previously served as Deputy National Legal Adviser to a Presidential Independent Campaign Council, a position that placed him at the centre of high-level political strategy and legal coordination.
In addition, he worked as a Senior Legislative Aide to a member representing Akure North/South Federal Constituency in 2015, giving him firsthand experience in legislative processes and constituency representation.
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He also served as Deputy National Legal Director in a presidential campaign council, further deepening his involvement in party operations and national political engagements.
Akinola’s campaign centres on improving legislative quality, strengthening oversight functions, and ensuring that government policies translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
He has identified accountability, fiscal responsibility, and economic development as key priorities, aligning his message with broader concerns about governance in Nigeria.
According to him, lawmakers must play a more active role in scrutinising government spending and ensuring that public resources are used efficiently.
He also stressed the importance of laws that support business growth, attract investment, and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
Observers note that his background in tax and financial law could be an advantage in legislative committees dealing with finance, appropriations, and economic planning.
Akinola’s entry into the race comes amid growing public demand for more effective representation at the National Assembly.
In recent years, there has been increased scrutiny of lawmakers’ performance, particularly in areas such as constituency development and legislative productivity.
Voters in many constituencies have called for representatives who can better articulate their needs, influence policy decisions, and ensure that government programmes deliver real impact.
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This shift has created space for candidates with professional backgrounds to enter politics, positioning themselves as alternatives to career politicians.
Despite his credentials, Akinola faces the challenge of translating his professional achievements into electoral success.
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Nigerian politics remains heavily influenced by grassroots mobilisation, party structures, and voter perception.
Political analysts say candidates with technocratic profiles often need to invest significantly in building local connections and communicating their message in relatable terms.
For Akinola, this will involve engaging directly with constituents, addressing their immediate concerns, and demonstrating how his expertise can improve their daily lives.
As the campaign gathers momentum, Akinola is expected to intensify his outreach efforts, presenting his vision for legislative service and seeking to build support across his constituency.
His candidacy adds to the growing list of professionals seeking elective office, reflecting a broader trend in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Whether voters will embrace his message of competence and structured governance remains to be seen, but his entry into the race underscores an ongoing debate about the kind of leadership needed to address the country’s challenges.
