By Grant Onyeke
Dr Adewole Adebayo, presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has called for greater focus on leadership, governance and development issues in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
Adebayo stated this at a closed-door meeting with former and serving lawmakers, party members and politicians in Abuja on Thursday, where he also spoke on perceptions about Northern Nigeria and the country’s political future.
He said Northern Nigeria remained an important part of the country, with huge agricultural potential, natural resources and a youthful population that could contribute to economic development.
The SDP candidate, in an interview after the meeting, said the country’s challenges were linked to factors such as corruption, inadequate investment and governance issues rather than any particular region.
According to him, the North’s resources and human capital had not been fully harnessed due to years of insufficient investment in education, infrastructure and skills development.
He said the region’s large population should be seen as an opportunity, adding that young Nigerians across the country could contribute meaningfully to national development when provided with quality education and opportunities.
Adebayo identified agriculture as a key area of potential growth for the region, noting that its arable land could support food production and economic expansion.
“Where is the land to do agriculture? Agriculture cannot be done in the air; it has to be done on the ground,” he said.
On insecurity, Adebayo said the country needed stronger institutions, effective leadership and investment in human capacity to address security challenges.
He questioned approaches that focused mainly on creating security structures without corresponding investment in personnel, training and resources.
Adebayo also urged a change in the perception of Northern Nigeria, saying people in the region had the capacity to innovate and compete when provided with the right opportunities.
He cited the transformation of Abuja into the nation’s capital as an example of how deliberate investment could drive development.
On calls for opposition parties to unite ahead of the 2027 elections, Adebayo said Nigeria’s Constitution provides for one president at a time, whether elected through a coalition or an individual political party.
He said the priority should be choosing leaders committed to the rule of law, accountability and good governance.
Adebayo said addressing Nigeria’s challenges required improved leadership and policies that allow all regions to contribute to national development. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade