The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 general election, Adewole Adebayo, has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, alleging that worsening economic conditions have deepened hardship across the country.
Adebayo, in a statement issued on Friday to mark the government’s third year in office, said many Nigerians were grappling with escalating living costs, unemployment, and insecurity, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
He argued that basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education have become unaffordable for a large segment of the population.
According to him, “Many Nigerians are working extremely hard, yet the policies of the current government make them appear unproductive. At home, children are asking why there is no food or why school fees are unpaid.”
The SDP candidate further faulted recent economic decisions, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, saying it had intensified financial pressure on citizens.
He noted that the cost of transportation had risen sharply, comparing present expenses to what they were before the reforms.
Adebayo also raised concerns about the direction of Nigeria’s democratic system, warning against what he described as a gradual erosion of political competition.
He dismissed fears of a one-party system, insisting instead that the real threat was increasing concentration of power.
“The danger is not one-party dominance but the drift towards one-man rule,” he said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must remain pluralistic, with strong opposition parties offering citizens meaningful political alternatives.
Adebayo added that the SDP was already preparing extensively for the 2027 elections and would field candidates across all major elective positions, including the presidency, governorships, Senate, and House of Representatives.
He said the party planned to contest all 109 senatorial seats and all 360 seats in the House of Representatives, describing the move as part of efforts to promote accountable leadership.
According to him, the SDP’s vision is anchored on integrity, national unity, and service delivery, adding that the party would welcome Nigerians committed to fighting corruption, insecurity, and inequality.
In a related reaction, Afenifere leader, Oba Oladipo Oladotun, also expressed concern over worsening insecurity and economic hardship in the country.
He said many citizens now live in fear due to rising insecurity, while unemployment continues to push young people into difficult living conditions.
Oladotun called for the protection of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, urging political actors to unite in defence of citizens’ welfare and democratic values.
He argued that the current hardship was not unavoidable, insisting that stronger leadership and better policy direction could reverse the situation.
He also advocated reforms in key sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, housing, and job creation, saying these were critical to improving living standards.
