Tinubu’s Political Strength Doesn’t Translate to Good Governance — Adebayo
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| Prince Adewole Adebayo |
Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, recently voiced his frustration over the wave of defections into the ruling APC. Adebayo—a lawyer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist—spoke passionately about how genuine governance, not political jockeying, can stabilize Nigeria and prevent constant party-switching. Excerpts from our interview:
On the reasons behind the defections to APC
“These defections? They’re avoidable—and preventable through good governance,” Adebayo asserts.
He says many so-called "opposition" figures didn’t choose their status—rather, they were forced into it. “True opposition means you disagree based on principles, not because you lost access.”
Until poverty, insecurity, corruption, and other systemic issues are resolved, Adebayo warns, politicians will keep “hopping buses”—waiting for the next chance at power.
He adds, “They’re staged into opposition so the ruling party can later recruit them to weaken real dissent.”
On his loyalty to the SDP
Adebayo has been with the SDP since the early ’90s, inspired by leaders like Lateef Jakande and MKO Abiola. He’s never flirted with other parties.
“I joined SDP at 19 and haven’t looked back. Our vision—farewell to poverty and insecurity—holds stronger today than ever.”
He argues that changing parties won’t fix Nigeria: it takes new ideas, methods, and culture—not just new faces.
Politically astute but governing missing the mark
“Tinubu gets an A+ in politics—but an F9 in governance,” Adebayo declares.
He praises the president’s political maneuvering—knowing how to recruit, retire, and reposition players—but laments his failure to deliver basic services, security, and stability.
“Empty speeches about defections don’t feed the hungry or secure the nation. Nigerians’ stomachs won’t applause in the National Assembly.”
Where real politics should focus
Once in power, says Adebayo, politics must shift to delivering public service:
Managing diversity and constitutionality
Stabilizing the economy — not just “economizing the truth”
Addressing hunger, housing, education, healthcare, infrastructure
In his view, the current opposition is fractured. The real pushback, he believes, is starting to come from the people, not washed-up politicians chasing appointments.
Cleaning up the opposition
Adebayo compares Nigeria’s need for reform to a neurological surgery: “First, you need to cleanse. We must identify true opposition from convenience defenders.”
He envisions an SDP open to genuine public participation—not dominated by wealthy elites.
His approach may be quiet, but he believes it’s foundational: “When Tinubu’s paper castle collapses, he’ll see that the future lies in a government that consistently works—for everyone.”
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