The 2027 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has alleged that the current economic hardship facing Nigerians is the result of deliberate governance failures that have left citizens struggling for survival and unable to effectively hold leaders accountable.

Speaking during an interview on national issues, Adebayo argued that worsening poverty, unemployment, and declining living standards have created conditions that weaken civic engagement and democratic participation.

He contended that many Nigerians are increasingly focused on meeting basic needs, leaving little room to demand transparency, good governance, and constitutional rights from elected officials.

The SDP flagbearer criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, claiming it has failed to adequately implement policies that promote education, economic empowerment and social welfare.

According to him, government resources, if properly managed, could significantly reduce poverty and improve citizens’ quality of life.

Adebayo also expressed concern over the state of education in the country, citing the prevalence of out-of-school children and what he described as declining educational standards.

He warned that an undereducated population is more vulnerable to political manipulation and less equipped to participate meaningfully in national development.

The SDP leader further argued that public attention is often diverted from pressing challenges such as insecurity, unemployment, and economic hardship, while citizens are encouraged to focus on short-term relief measures rather than demanding structural reforms.

He maintained that sustainable change would require greater political awareness among Nigerians, urging citizens to understand their constitutional rights and the obligations of government.

According to Adebayo, strengthening civic education and promoting political consciousness are essential steps toward building a more accountable system of governance.

He added that opposition parties and reform advocates must focus not only on electoral competition but also on empowering citizens to demand responsible leadership.

The former presidential candidate expressed confidence that increased public awareness and active citizen participation would help improve Nigeria’s democratic institutions and create opportunities for broader economic progress.

He said: “The poverty that Nigerians are facing is artificial, government-inflicted and self-tolerated by the people.

“My opponent is not Tinubu. My opponent is the ignorance of the people. Once they understand what government is supposed to do and what their rights are as citizens, they will know why they are suffering.

“There is no part of Nigeria where you will not find children selling on the streets or begging. Some receive no schooling at all, while others receive schooling without education.

“Politicians are looking for voters, but citizens should first understand that they are citizens and what that means. Once they understand their rights, they will stop settling for crumbs and start demanding good governance,” he said.