In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), shares his perspective on Nigeria’s political and economic situation. Reflecting on 2024, Adebayo acknowledged both achievements and challenges, citing issues like rising inflation, fluctuating exchange rates, and security concerns, including the tragic killings of the Emir of Gobir and incidents in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja. However, he also pointed out that there were no significant community or religious conflicts.
Regarding President Bola Tinubu’s media chat, Adebayo expressed disagreement with the president’s view that the government was doing well. He argued that Tinubu’s administration lacked the necessary governance to truly improve the country, stating that Tinubu was merely in power, not governing. He highlighted the absence of substantial reforms, pointing to FCT and Ministry of Interior ministers as exceptions.
Adebayo also criticized Tinubu’s economic policies, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the Naira. While acknowledging that Nigeria’s economic problems existed before Tinubu’s tenure, he claimed the president had worsened the situation due to a lack of economic understanding.
On judicial reforms, Adebayo expressed that increasing salaries alone would not resolve corruption in the judiciary. He emphasized that the root cause lay in the broader economic system, suggesting reforms to the legal structure, particularly separating election petitions from regular judicial duties.
Lastly, Adebayo reinforced that Nigerians should not place their hope solely in one government, as the nation has many alternatives for its future beyond Tinubu’s administration.
