…Says good governance can solve Nigeria’s problems
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has urged northern Nigerians to unite against insecurity and embrace good governance.
He made the call Wednesday while delivering a keynote address at the Arewa Awareness Summit on Unity Against Insecurity held in Kaduna State.
Adebayo insisted that Nigeria’s numerous challenges can be resolved within a few years through determined and purposeful leadership.
The summit brought together traditional rulers, scholars, political leaders and civil society stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for promoting unity and addressing insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
Addressing participants at the summit, the SDP presidential candidate said the country’s security, governance and development challenges were not insurmountable, stressing that the focus should shift from merely diagnosing problems to implementing practical solutions.
According to him, the region’s large population should be seen as a strategic asset rather than a burden.
He noted that many developed countries with declining populations are investing heavily to encourage family growth because of the importance of human capital.
He argued that the North possesses enormous human and natural resources capable of transforming not only Nigeria but the entire Sahel and West African sub-region if properly harnessed.
“The North is the future of Nigeria and indeed the future of the Sahel and West Africa. We have the population, the human resources and the political strength to change our circumstances,” Adebayo said.
The SDP flag bearer, who described himself as a northerner by choice, said he had lived and worked in Northern Nigeria for over two decades and was committed to the region’s interest and development.
He said, “There was no challenge confronting Nigeria that responsible leadership and good governance could not resolve within three years.”
Adebayo urged citizens not to see themselves as powerless, reminding them that democracy gives the electorate the authority to choose leaders who understand their aspirations and are willing to address their concerns.
He said, “We are living in a democracy. Nobody comes to power except through the will of the people. We must elect leaders who understand our problems and are committed to solving them.”
He also advised Nigerians to hold elected leaders accountable while supporting those who demonstrate commitment to public service.
On insecurity, Prince Adebayo stressed the need for sustained investments in agriculture, job creation and economic development to tackle the root causes of violence and instability.
He argued that expanding productive economic opportunities, particularly in agriculture, would create employment for millions of young people and reduce poverty across the region.
The SDP flag bearer further identified corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to national development, warning that no system would succeed if corruption was allowed to thrive.
“It does not matter how well you design a system; if corruption is not addressed, the problems will persist,” Adebayo said.
He also underscored the importance of education, calling for increased investment to ensure more children, especially in Northern Nigeria, have access to quality learning.
He noted that education remains one of the most effective tools for reducing poverty, promoting peace and building a prosperous society.
The presidential hopeful urged leaders at all levels to prioritise policies that improve education, strengthen institutions and create opportunities for young people.
He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, saying the country’s challenges could be overcome through unity, accountability and collective commitment to responsible leadership.
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