Prince Adewole Adebayo, former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has reaffirmed that good governance remains the foundational purpose of political engagement in Nigeria. During a multi-regional consultation in Osun State on Tuesday, Adebayo advocated for a return to public service-driven leadership, emphasizing that electoral and administrative processes must prioritize institutional accountability and citizen welfare.
The gathering convened delegates from prominent regional stakeholders, including Afenifere, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). Addressing the forum, Adebayo referenced Nigeria’s origins at the Lancaster House constitutional conferences, where representatives from the former North, East, West, and Mid-West regions negotiated a unified federation to secure independence. He noted that the earliest political formations were structured to advance equitable development and inclusive national planning.
Adebayo explained that subsequent military interventions dismantled that constitutional foundation, replacing collaborative governance with administrative practices shaped by authoritarian rule. “What we have practiced since then are politics influenced by military rule or post-military habits,” he said. He warned that the current political climate has increasingly favored transactional engagements over structured policy implementation, distancing leadership from grassroots development objectives.
Calling for a systemic shift, Adebayo emphasized that public office must not function as a vehicle for private financial accumulation. “We want to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of Nigerians through a government that is the direct opposite of what we have experienced in recent times,” he stated. He characterized politics as a civic instrument for service, urging stakeholders to reject candidates who approach electoral campaigns as speculative ventures.
The comments reflect growing discussions among Nigerian civic leaders on institutional reform and democratic consolidation. By uniting regional advocacy groups, the Osun State meeting signaled a coordinated effort to align political practice with constitutional principles. Participants indicated that sustained policy dialogue, strengthened electoral frameworks, and transparent governance mechanisms will be essential to restoring public confidence and advancing sustainable national development.
