Adebayo Warns Nigeria Drifting Toward One-Man Rule, Raises Concern Over Insecurity
Prominent politician and former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has issued a stark warning that Nigeria is at risk of sliding into a one-man rule rather than evolving into a one-party state. This caution comes amid growing concerns over governance failures, escalating insecurity, and the weakening of opposition politics across the nation.
Firsthand Insight into Humanitarian Crisis in Plateau State
Adebayo recently visited violence-affected communities in Plateau State, including areas like Angua Rukuba, to gain firsthand insight into the humanitarian crisis. He described the situation as devastating, noting that beyond widely reported incidents, numerous low-profile killings continue across Nigeria without adequate attention from authorities.
According to Adebayo, many affected communities have lost confidence in government protection and feel abandoned. Victims are increasingly reluctant to report incidents, believing that authorities will not respond, which has led some to question the humanity of fellow human beings.
Critique of Government Response and Security Gaps
During his interactions with community leaders, victims, and security personnel, Adebayo exposed significant gaps in response capacity and coordination. While expressing confidence in the ability of law enforcement agencies, he attributed their inefficiency to poor leadership and inadequate support from the federal government.
He criticized the government's handling of crisis situations, arguing that true leadership demands direct engagement with affected communities rather than symbolic gestures. Adebayo emphasized that structural reforms alone, such as debates over state policing, will not address insecurity without credible and accountable leadership at all levels.
Political Ambitions and Opposition Challenges
Addressing questions about his political future, Adebayo confirmed he will contest the 2027 presidential election, insisting that his recent activities are driven by national concern rather than political considerations. He stated that politicians can still demonstrate empathy and solidarity with grieving citizens, urging a reinvention of the political class.
On the state of opposition politics, particularly the crisis within the African Democratic Congress, Adebayo maintained that internal disputes should be resolved through legal processes. He warned that internal wrangling and poor organization could undermine opposition parties' ability to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Warning Against Concentration of Power
Adebayo dismissed fears of Nigeria heading toward a one-party system under the APC but cautioned against a more dangerous trend: the concentration of power around President Bola Tinubu. He argued that such a development could weaken even the ruling party by eroding internal democracy and institutional strength.
Drawing from the 2023 general elections, Adebayo noted that low voter turnout reflects widespread political disengagement, with many Nigerians feeling disconnected from the process. He lamented that politics has become dominated by a self-interested elite, calling for citizens to remain actively engaged in holding leaders accountable.
Call for Systemic Reform and Leadership Improvement
Adebayo attributed frequent defections and internal party crises to a decline in ideological politics, where many politicians operate without clear principles and switch parties based on personal gain. He warned that without systemic reform, the same actors will continue to dominate the political space regardless of party affiliation.
In conclusion, Adebayo stressed that meaningful progress in Nigeria requires improvements not only in systems but also in the quality of leadership. The problem is not the structure; it is leadership, he asserted, urging a collective effort to address the nation's pressing challenges.
