The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has declared that Nigeria has yet to achieve true democracy, arguing that what exists is merely civilian rule without the essential elements of democratic governance.
Adebayo's Remarks on Democracy Day
Speaking in Abuja after the Democracy Day celebrations, Adebayo stated that although Nigeria has enjoyed uninterrupted civilian administration since 1999, the country continues to struggle with weak institutions, poor accountability, and declining public welfare. He emphasized that the promise of democracy remains largely unfulfilled for many citizens.
Warnings of Instability
Adebayo warned that worsening poverty and insecurity could deepen national instability if urgent reforms are not implemented. He dismissed claims of ongoing reforms, arguing that policy changes have not translated into real structural improvement.
Criticism of Petroleum Sector
The SDP leader questioned the performance of the petroleum sector, noting that government-owned refineries remain largely ineffective despite repeated assurances of rehabilitation. He criticized the widening gap between political leaders and citizens, insisting that effective governance requires continuous public engagement.
Call for Electoral Reforms
Adebayo called for constitutional reforms to guarantee the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that political actors should not influence the appointment of electoral officials. He also advocated for real-time transmission of election results to improve transparency and restore public confidence in the electoral process.
Security Spending Concerns
On security spending, Adebayo raised concerns about accountability, stressing that proper oversight is more critical than increased budget allocations. Despite his criticisms, he maintained that Nigeria's challenges remain solvable if leaders adopt a more people-centred approach to governance.
