SDP’s Adewole Adebayo has alleged that President Tinubu’s administration is a ‘Historic Disaster”.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has described the administration of President Bola Tinubu as a “historic disaster,” insisting that Nigeria needs a decisive political break ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on national political issues, Adebayo said he is fully prepared to lead the country and could deliver better governance if given the opportunity.
According to him, the key question ahead of the next election is not whether the opposition is ready but whether Nigerians are ready to change their government.
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“If you ask me whether I am ready to take over from President Bola Tinubu and govern the country better, I would say yes, even today. You can drive me to Aso Rock now and ask me to take over, you will see a better result,” he said, adding that he is “better prepared, better intentioned and surrounded by better people.”
Adebayo argued that the responsibility of holding the government accountable primarily rests with the legislature and the judiciary, while the role of opposition parties is to prepare to form the next government.
“I don’t want to be a professional opposition. I want to be called president and Commander-in-Chief,” he said.
On the controversy surrounding the Electoral Act, Adebayo supported calls for reforms, warning that the current law does not create a level playing field for political parties.
He said the National Assembly must amend the contentious provisions to strengthen democratic credibility and encourage citizens to participate in elections.
The SDP chieftain also reacted to threats by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to boycott elections if the Electoral Act is not amended, describing the move as a drastic but understandable reaction.
“I think IPAC is right to say that if the rules are not fair and clear from the beginning, they have the right to say they will not participate,” he said.
However, Adebayo urged political parties to continue preparing for elections while pushing for reforms.
He maintained that the ultimate solution to flawed electoral laws is for Nigerians to vote out lawmakers responsible for them.
“There are a lot of booby traps in the law, but Nigerians have a duty to defeat the government and vote out those who surrendered the sovereignty of Nigeria to one person,” he stated.
On opposition unity ahead of 2027, Adebayo rejected the idea of alliances with some political figures now operating under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that many of them represent the same political culture he opposes.
He argued that replacing President Tinubu with politicians who previously held power but failed to deliver would not solve Nigeria’s governance challenges.
“Nigerians are tired of bad government. You cannot remove Tinubu and restore those who started what he is following now,” he said.
Adebayo maintained that the SDP offers a credible alternative, describing it as a party committed to honesty and accountability.
“We are not looking for saints, but we are looking for decent and honest people who are ready to serve the country,” he added.
Despite concerns about the party’s national structure compared to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Adebayo expressed confidence that grassroots support would determine the outcome of the 2027 election.
He said the SDP is focusing on mobilising ordinary Nigerians and building a people-driven political movement.
“The 2027 election will be an election of ordinary people. Once the people embrace the party again, all these speculations about structure will disappear,” he said.
Adebayo further accused the Tinubu administration of weakening democratic institutions and ignoring constitutional accountability.
According to him, Nigeria’s current governance challenges stem from systemic failures that predate the present administration but have worsened under Tinubu.
“There are three reasons he is the worst president. First, he is in charge at a time when bad governance has the most impact. Second, the approach is not just incompetent but organised. Third, there is an attempt to personalise the country,” he alleged.
He also criticised the administration’s economic and governance policies, claiming that public funds have not translated into improved living conditions for Nigerians.
“The trillions of public money passing through their hands have not reflected in the welfare of the people,” he said.
Nevertheless, Adebayo said he believes future elections in Nigeria can be free and fair if citizens become more engaged in the democratic process.
He urged Nigerians to participate actively in elections, stressing that high voter turnout would help guarantee credibility.
“Elections will be free and fair when 75 to 80 percent of voters show up. If only seven percent vote, democracy becomes weak,” he said.
The SDP leader concluded by reaffirming his readiness to contest in 2027, noting that the final decision lies with Nigerians.
“My presidency is in the hands of God. When Nigerians are ready, we will come,” he said.
