The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has launched a fierce critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, accusing it of steering Nigeria towards authoritarian rule and worsening poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship. Adebayo made these remarks shortly after accepting his nomination as the SDP flagbearer for the 2027 election at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi.
Adebayo Accuses Tinubu of Authoritarian Tendencies
According to Adebayo, Nigerians must exercise their democratic rights to rescue the country from what he described as creeping authoritarianism and failed governance. He alleged that Tinubu is attempting to dominate the political space and weaken opposition parties. The SDP candidate further claimed that democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), are under pressure from the ruling government, preventing INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan from operating independently.
Economic Hardship and Policy Failures
Adebayo blamed the Tinubu administration for worsening economic hardship, unemployment, and insecurity, noting that millions of Nigerians struggle daily despite the nation's abundant resources. He criticized the removal of fuel subsidy, linking it to inflation and deteriorating living conditions, and alleged that subsidy savings have not translated into development. He also described the fiscal policy direction as excessive taxation without productivity.
In his speech, which blended political criticism, economic proposals, constitutional interpretation, and historical references, Adebayo framed the next election as a battle for Nigeria's survival, democratic identity, and national dignity. He warned that the erosion of democratic freedom is Nigeria's most serious crisis and urged citizens to defend political pluralism, stating, "Use your freedom while you still have it. Use your freedom to give yourself a multi-party democracy."
Vision for National Rebirth
Adebayo unveiled an ambitious governance blueprint, promising sweeping reforms if elected. He proposed implementing 500 programmes aimed at rapidly reducing poverty and unemployment through industrial revival, infrastructure expansion, and job creation. His plans include free, compulsory, and continuous education from primary to tertiary level, and a national health system where every Nigerian is insured via their National Identification Number (NIN), with four free medical screenings per year for early disease detection.
He also pledged to revive Nigeria's struggling industrial base, including the Ajaokuta Steel Company, Oku Iboku Paper Mill, Aladja Steel, Bacita Sugar Company, Kaduna and Gombe textile industries, and national refineries. Adebayo contrasted past leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa, and Michael Okpara with the current administration, emphasizing the need for visionary leadership.
In a direct attack on Tinubu, Adebayo said: "President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not satisfied to be the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He wants to be the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, the Labour Party, SDP, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and even your birthday party." He accused the administration of treating citizens as economic objects and called on Nigerians to use their democratic freedom to rescue the country from failed governance.
