The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has pledged to implement the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Chapter II of the Nigerian Constitution if elected president in 2027. Speaking during his acceptance speech after emerging as the SDP's presidential candidate, Adebayo stated that his administration would be guided by Sections 13 to 23 of the Constitution, which place responsibility on the government to ensure the welfare, security, and prosperity of citizens.
A Vision Rooted in Constitutional Principles
According to Adebayo, political power belongs to Nigerians and must be exercised in their interest rather than for personal enrichment. He emphasized that the Constitution clearly states that power belongs to the people of Nigeria, and from the people, government derives its authority. Adebayo argued that successive governments have failed to faithfully implement the constitutional provisions on social welfare, economic justice, and public accountability. He insisted that the SDP was founded on the same social democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution.
In a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu's administration, the SDP flagbearer accused the government of prioritizing the interests of a privileged few over the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. He alleged that the nation's resources were not being deployed for the security and wellbeing of citizens as envisioned by the Constitution. Adebayo further criticized the administration's economic policies, arguing that they had deepened poverty, unemployment, and insecurity across the country.
Ambitious Plans for Poverty Reduction and Infrastructure
Outlining his vision for government, the SDP candidate promised an ambitious program aimed at drastically reducing poverty and unemployment within the first two years of his administration. He pledged to invest savings from anti-corruption measures into infrastructure development, including roads in rural communities across the country. Adebayo also promised free and compulsory qualitative education from the elementary level to tertiary institutions, coupled with a jobs program designed to ensure graduates transition directly into employment.
On healthcare, Adebayo proposed a universal healthcare system that would guarantee access to medical services for all Nigerians, including regular health screenings and expanded health insurance coverage linked to citizens' National Identification Numbers. He also vowed to revive major moribund industries and public enterprises, including steel plants, textile companies, paper mills, refineries, and other manufacturing concerns. Adebayo argued that industrialization remains the fastest route to job creation and economic growth.
Security and National Integrity
On security, Adebayo promised to restore territorial control across Nigeria and eliminate the activities of terrorists, bandits, and other violent criminal groups. He said his administration would rebuild the nation's security institutions and restore the reputation of the Nigerian Armed Forces, which he noted once played leading peacekeeping roles across Africa. According to him, the 2027 election presents Nigerians with an opportunity to return government to its constitutional purpose of serving the people through justice, social welfare, economic development, and national security.
Adebayo maintained that Chapter II of the Constitution provides a clear blueprint for national development and pledged to make its implementation the central objective of an SDP administration. He called on Nigerians to support his candidacy, emphasizing that the SDP offers a credible alternative to the current administration's failed policies.
