PrinceAdewoleAdebayo
Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has unveiled an ambitious national recovery agenda for the 2027 general elections, declaring that Nigeria is approaching a dangerous crossroads under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a fiery and emotionally charged acceptance speech following his affirmation at the SDP convention in Bauchi, Adebayo accused the Tinubu administration of deepening poverty, weakening democratic institutions, and pushing Nigeria toward what he described as creeping authoritarianism.
Addressing party delegates and supporters, Adebayo warned Nigerians not to take democratic freedoms for granted.
“Because we are hungry, homeless, jobless, and without peace, those are serious problems,” he said. “But there is an even bigger problem: the little freedom we still have is about to disappear.”
He urged citizens to defend political pluralism and democratic participation before it is too late.
“Use your freedom while you still have it. Use your freedom to give yourself multi-party democracy,” he declared.
The SDP candidate launched repeated attacks on President Tinubu, accusing him of political overreach and economic mismanagement.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not satisfied being the presidential candidate of APC,” Adebayo said. “He wants to be the presidential candidate of APC, PDP, Labour, SDP, NYSC — even your birthday party.”
He further alleged that the administration views Nigerians as economic commodities rather than citizens deserving protection and opportunity.
“As your president, he sees you as commodities to buy and sell. He is the number one businessman using government power to enrich himself and his cronies,” he stated.
Adebayo blamed worsening inflation and economic hardship on the removal of fuel subsidy at the start of the Tinubu administration, arguing that the policy triggered severe suffering nationwide.
“The money delegates used to travel to our 2022 convention now requires fifteen times more for transport,” he said.
He alleged that the promised gains from subsidy removal have failed to materialise.
“Trillions saved from subsidy have disappeared. The government has borrowed more money than Nigeria borrowed since independence, yet contractors remain unpaid and nobody can explain where the money went,” he claimed.
The SDP flagbearer also criticised the administration’s tax policies, describing them as excessive and disconnected from productivity and economic growth.
“Every day, tax, tax, tax, tax,” he said.
Despite his criticism, Adebayo insisted his opposition to Tinubu was ideological rather than personal.
“I am not an enemy of Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said. “I am an enemy of poverty — and poverty is Tinubu’s friend. I am an enemy of corruption — and corruption is his profession. I am an enemy of injustice — and injustice is his hobby.”
He added, “I am an enemy of autocracy. And no greater tyrant is around than Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Adebayo contrasted the current administration with past Nigerian leaders including Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and Michael Okpara, whom he described as leaders driven by clear developmental visions.
“Every government we knew had cardinal programmes,” he said. “What is Tinubu’s cardinal point? Snatch, grab, and run away with it.”
Adebayo linked insecurity and economic collapse to governance failure, insisting that politics directly affects citizens’ safety and welfare.
“Politics determines whether you sleep peacefully in your home,” he said.
He argued that terrorism and banditry thrive where institutions are weak and leadership lacks accountability.
The SDP candidate also unveiled what he described as a bold governance blueprint focused on poverty reduction, industrial revival, healthcare reform, and job creation.
According to him, his administration would implement over 500 targeted programmes aimed at reducing poverty to two percent within 18 months and unemployment to four percent within two years.
He proposed free and continuous education from primary school to tertiary level, tied directly to employment opportunities.
“Our education system will continue until you get a job,” he said. “Until you get a job, you have not graduated.”
Adebayo also promised a national healthcare system linked to citizens’ National Identification Numbers, with every Nigerian entitled to four free medical screenings annually.
He pledged to revive moribund industries and national assets, including the Ajaokuta Steel Company, Aladja Steel, Bacita Sugar Company, Oku Iboku Paper Mill, the Kaduna and Gombe textile industries, and Nigeria’s refineries.
According to him, Nigeria must abandon import dependency and return to a production-driven economy capable of creating sustainable jobs and industrial growth.
On security, Adebayo vowed to restore territorial control across the country and strengthen the military to reclaim Nigeria’s regional leadership role.
“There will be no square inch of Nigeria where terrorists can operate,” he declared.
He called for unity among opposition parties, civic organisations, and Nigerians opposed to corruption, tribalism, and injustice ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I appeal to all opposition elements in Nigeria — not just politicians, but every Nigerian who opposes corruption and injustice — let us come together,” he said.
Anchoring his message on constitutional democracy and social justice, Adebayo urged Nigerians to reject ethnicity, religion, and emotional sentiment when choosing leaders.
“Ask only one question: does this candidate deserve this office?” he said.
He concluded with a populist appeal, insisting that political power must return to ordinary Nigerians.
“I am your servant. It is not my turn. It is the turn of ordinary Nigerians,” he declared.
Adebayo ended his address with a message of optimism and national rebirth.
“Nigeria will rise again. Africa will be proud. And the black race will finally say Nigeria has got it right.”