Abuja: Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general election, Dr. Adewole Adebayo, has called for stronger democratic governance in Nigeria, emphasizing that the country has yet to attain full democratic practice despite years of civilian rule. Adebayo made this call in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adebayo highlighted 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. He pointed out that Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges have persisted, with growing concerns around poverty and insecurity.
Adebayo remarked, “Since 1993, only two things have changed, our problems have become bigger, and our democratic space has become smaller.” He warned that if issues such as poverty and insecurity are not addressed, they could continue to pose risks to national stability. “Pover
ty 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 added.
He also commented on President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, noting that many citizens were yet to feel its impact. Adebayo stressed the importance of balancing long-term reforms with immediate socio-economic and security concerns. He stated, “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.”
Adebayo pointed out that some government policies described as reforms had yet to bring visible improvements in living conditions. On the petroleum sector, he called for improved performance of state-owned refineries. As the SDP presidential candidate for the upcoming 2027 elections, he urged closer engagement between leaders and citizens, emphasizing that public office holders must remain responsive to the needs of the pe
ople.
“The president speaking to the people is good, but the president listening to the people is more important,” Adebayo remarked. 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. Regarding security, he advocated for greater accountability in defense spending, stressing the need for proper utilization of resources to address insecurity.
Adebayo also expressed concern over the reintegration of repentant insurgents, urging stronger measures to protect communities. He concluded by emphasizing that Nigeria’s challenges could be addressed with a stronger commitment to governance and the welfare of its citizens.