Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo, has criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the 2027 general election would be shaped by public dissatisfaction over economic hardship, insecurity and rising living costs.

Speaking on national issues, Adebayo said Nigerians were experiencing severe economic pressure due to what he described as poor governance and ineffective policies.

According to him, the ruling administration would ultimately be judged by its performance rather than political influence or alliances.

“You cannot defeat President Tinubu by merely rousing anger. You have to raise issues because he is in charge of government today and, on objective analysis, he is not delivering,” Adebayo said.

He argued that inflation and rising fuel costs had made life increasingly difficult for ordinary Nigerians, noting that many workers could no longer meet basic needs despite earning regular incomes.

“A Nigerian who owns a Toyota Corolla did not bargain for spending N60,000 to fill the tank when his salary is less than N200,000,” he stated.

The SDP chieftain also faulted the government’s handling of the nation’s electricity challenges, saying the power sector had shown little improvement despite promises made during the 2023 election campaign.

“President Tinubu himself cannot give himself electricity. He has to go off-grid in the State House because the national grid failed him,” he said.

Adebayo further maintained that the president would eventually be required to account for the administration’s economic policies, debt profile and governance decisions.

“He has to account for how much debt he has accumulated on behalf of present and unborn generations. Presidency is a job, and every person with a job must render account to those who employed him,” he added.

On corruption and criminal prosecution, Adebayo said anti-graft efforts should remain independent and free from political influence.

“It is not an APC government or SDP government that should take people to jail. Law enforcement investigates, the judiciary adjudicates and sanctions are applied without political coloration,” he said.

He warned against alleged instances where politicians under investigation sought protection by defecting to the ruling party.

“We don’t want a situation where people facing trial are told that if they switch to the ruling party, they can obtain forgiveness or amnesty,” he added.

Commenting on discussions surrounding former President Goodluck Jonathan and the 2027 presidential contest, Adebayo said Jonathan was constitutionally qualified to seek office if he wished.

“If he wants to run, he should come out openly and address Nigerians. The presidency of Nigeria is not an office people are dragged into by speculation,” he said.

The SDP presidential candidate expressed confidence that his party would emerge victorious in the next general election, insisting that Nigerians were seeking a credible alternative focused on governance, accountability and citizens’ welfare.

“We are going to present Nigerians with a clear alternative that puts the welfare of the people first,” he said.