SDP Presidential Hopeful Blames President Bola Tinubu’s Style for Nigeria’s Current Turmoil
Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 Social Democratic Party presidential candidate, has attributed Nigeria’s struggles to President Tinubu’s leadership approach.
Adebayo sharply criticized the president’s management style, decrying a lack of inclusivity in decision-making, particularly at the ministerial level. He argued that this style has led to the appointment of ministers who lack effective governance skills.
In an exclusive statement, Adebayo warned that the cabinet’s poor performance has significant implications. “Many ministers know their way to the office,” he said. “The difficulty lies in their responsibility to deliver their mandates.” He further pointed out that the cabinet members tend to focus on paper exercises and approvals, instead of concrete policy-making. “This is a case of form over substance.” Adebayo emphasized the urgent need for a robust, engaged, and skilled government capable of addressing the nation’s pressing needs.
In his assessment of the state of governance, Adebayo lamented that government has failed to prioritize the welfare and security of Nigerians. He decried the lack of a secure environment, inadequate basic infrastructure, and pervasive corruption that have collectively heightened hardship nationwide.
Governance is often mistakenly associated with oratory grandeur, he suggested, rather than measured performance in key sectors such as energy, healthcare, education, and the judicial system. “When individuals have hope for a secure and safe life, quality education and healthcare, access to utilities, and faith in institutions, then one can conclusively say governance is afoot.” By contrast, Adebyo’s contention is that Nigerians remain disconnected from vital services.
Referencing former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Adebayo commended his predecessor’s willingness to bring in expert minds for his administration’s benefit, even if there were questionable policies. Unlike current authorities, Obasanjo navigated governance issues effectively when faced with unfavorable decisions.
Moreover, Adebayo lauded Obasanjo for his consultative approach to governance, encouraging transparency through clear explanations, as he acknowledged that criticism was invaluable for growth.
