ADEBAYO KNOCKS TINUBU OVER ECONOMIC HARDSHIP, WARNS AGAINST ‘ONE-MAN RULE’

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party for the 2027 general election, Adewole Adebayo, has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over worsening economic hardship, rising unemployment and growing insecurity across the country.

In a statement issued on Friday to mark the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration, Adebayo said many Nigerians were struggling to cope with the increasing cost of living, noting that basic needs such as food, healthcare and education had become unaffordable for many families.

“Many are working very hard, but the economy of the government of the day makes them look lazy because when they go home, the children will ask the question: why is there no food? Why was I sent out of school with no school fees paid?” he said.

The SDP flag bearer blamed recent economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, for worsening the financial burden on citizens.

“Those of us who came to our convention on June 8, 2022, the money with which you came to the convention, you needed 15 times that amount to pay transport now,” he stated.

Adebayo also expressed concern over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, warning against what he described as growing threats to political diversity and opposition politics.

“People have told me that Nigeria is in danger of one-party rule. I said, ‘don’t worry about that.’ The real problem is that we are in danger of one-man rule,” he added.

He stressed the need for stronger democratic institutions and active opposition parties, arguing that Nigerians deserved political alternatives built on different ideologies and national interests.

“Nigerians need diversity. We need different political parties who believe in different things, but who are loyal to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Speaking on preparations for the 2027 elections, Adebayo disclosed that the SDP would field candidates for governorship, senatorial and House of Representatives positions nationwide.

“We will contest 109 senatorial seats with patriotic Nigerians. We will run for 360 seats in the House of Representatives and all the governorship positions,” he stated.

The SDP candidate promised accountable governance and urged Nigerians to unite beyond political, ethnic and religious divisions in support of good leadership and national development.

“Anyone who opposes corruption, insecurity, cheating, division and injustice is the real opposition,” he added.

Meanwhile, Afenifere chieftain, Oba Oladipo Oladotun, also raised concerns over worsening insecurity and economic hardship in the country.

According to him, many Nigerians can no longer “sleep with both eyes closed” due to persistent insecurity, while unemployment and poverty continue to affect citizens.

“Our youths roam the streets without jobs, and our farmers and traders struggle daily just to survive,” he said.

Oladotun called for the protection of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and urged opposition groups to work together in defence of democratic values and citizens’ welfare.

“This suffering of many is not an act of God. Nigeria urgently needs a change of government a fundamental shift from policies that favour the few to programmes that serve the many,” he stated.

He also advocated policies focused on job creation, agriculture, affordable education, healthcare, housing and infrastructure development.