By Nefishetu Yakubu
Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general election, Dr Adewole Adebayo, has called for stronger democratic governance in Nigeria, saying the country has yet to attain full democratic practice albeit years of civilian rule.
Adebayo made this call in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
He said that although Nigeria has maintained uninterrupted civilian governance since 1999, key democratic values such as accountability, rule of law, credible elections and improved welfare of citizens still require strengthening.
According to him, Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges have persisted over time, with growing concerns around poverty and insecurity.
“Since 1993, only two things have changed, our problems have become bigger, and our democratic space has become smaller,” he said.
Adebayo warned that if poverty and insecurity are not addressed, they could continue to pose risks to national stability.
“Poverty has grown and given birth to insecurity. If we fail to address both, they may eventually give rise to instability, revolution, or even genocide,” he said.
He also commented on President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, saying many citizens were yet to feel its impact.
Adebayo stressed the need to balance long-term reforms with immediate socio-economic and security concerns.
“A president is elected for the present, not the future. Hungry people cannot eat in the future. Children of school age cannot go to school in the future. Security problems cannot wait,” he said.
He said some government policies described as reforms had yet to translate into visible improvements in living conditions.
On the petroleum sector, he called for improved performance of state-owned refineries.
Adebayo, who is the SDP presidential candidate in the upcoming 2027 elections, also urged closer engagement between leaders and citizens, saying public office holders must remain responsive to the needs of the people.
“The president speaking to the people is good, but the president listening to the people is more important,” he said.
On electoral matters, he called for reforms to strengthen the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, including reducing executive influence in the appointment of electoral officials and adopting real-time transmission of results. On security, he called for greater accountability in defence spending, stressing the need for proper utilisation of resources to address insecurity.
He also expressed concern over the reintegration of repentant insurgents, calling for stronger measures to protect communities.
Adebayo said Nigeria’s challenges could be addressed with stronger commitment to governance and citizens’ welfare. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
