A prominent businessman and political figure from Katsina State has publicly called on Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), to throw his hat in the ring for the 2027 general elections.
A Call for Consistency and Principle
The appeal was made by Nalado Usman Yusuf, a politician and businessman based in Daura, Katsina State. Yusuf described Adebayo as a politician to watch and argued that his background and experience make him a compelling candidate for the nation's top job. He particularly praised Adebayo's steadfast loyalty to the SDP following the 2023 polls, despite reported interest from other parties.
"His continued allegiance to the SDP underscores his reputation as a principled politician rather than a roving aspirant in search of an electoral ticket," Yusuf stated. He added that Adebayo's personal wealth and consistency suggest a motivation driven by a desire for national reform rather than personal gain.
Blueprint for National Rescue
Yusuf referenced Adebayo's 2023 campaign slogan, "Hope Again 2023," suggesting it could be adapted into a powerful 2027 message focused on rescuing Nigeria from its current economic and security crises. He urged Adebayo to prioritize a complete economic turnaround, outlining specific measures:
- Stabilizing and increasing the value of the Naira.
- Ensuring fair and commensurate revenue generation.
- Implementing budgets fully and transparently.
- Encouraging foreign investments while managing and gradually offsetting national debt.
On the critical issue of insecurity, Yusuf stressed the need for decisive action, especially in Northern Nigeria. He advocated for better deployment of security forces and the integration of modern surveillance and intelligence-gathering technology to disrupt criminal activities.
Focus on Social Welfare and Governance
Beyond the economy and security, Yusuf highlighted several other sectors requiring urgent attention from any future administration led by Adebayo. His proposals include:
Education & Agriculture: Increased budgetary allocations to education, improved welfare for teachers, and the introduction of modern agricultural technology to boost food production and ensure security.
Social Welfare: Expanded access to healthcare, clean water, and housing. He also emphasized the importance of skills acquisition programs and social support for the nation's most vulnerable citizens.
Yusuf also called for a revival of Nigeria's industrial sector, encouraging the resuscitation of moribund industries and providing incentives for new manufacturing ventures and investors. He stressed the need to revitalize the civil service, ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions, clear contractor debts, and promote overall transparency in governance.
Drawing Inspiration from History
In his final encouragement, Yusuf pointed to the political journey of former President Muhammadu Buhari as an inspiration. He reminded Adebayo that Buhari contested the presidency multiple times before his eventual victory in 2015.
"Your Excellency, you have seen it all. Apart from being a lawyer and a businessman of international repute, you are equally a philanthropist who also has been familiar with the art of governance. It is, therefore, a duty on you to present yourself again for election in 2027," Yusuf concluded.
Prince Adewole Adebayo, an Ondo State-born lawyer, businessman, and public affairs commentator, is also the founder of the television station KAFTAN-TV. This blend of private-sector acumen, media engagement, and philanthropic work, according to Yusuf, positions him uniquely to tackle Nigeria's complex governance challenges.
