Leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, deepening economic hardship, and growing democratic instability, declaring that the country is “bleeding” and urgently requires a fundamental political and policy reset.

Olaitan made the remarks during the national convention of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) held in Bauchi, where he delivered what observers described as one of the strongest political interventions in recent times, portraying Nigeria’s current crisis as systemic rather than accidental.

He painted a grim picture of the nation’s security situation, saying banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal conflicts have continued to erode public safety across several parts of the country.

According to him, farmlands have increasingly become unsafe, with rural communities unable to farm or travel freely due to persistent attacks by criminal elements.

The elder statesman warned that the insecurity crisis has gone beyond a mere law enforcement challenge and now poses a direct threat to food production, rural livelihoods, and national stability.
Olaitan also decried the worsening economic conditions, noting that rising inflation and the soaring cost of living have plunged millions of Nigerians into hardship.

He said ordinary citizens are struggling to survive as food prices, transportation costs, electricity tariffs, and other essential living expenses continue to rise beyond their reach.

“Our youths roam the streets without jobs, while farmers and traders struggle daily just to survive,” he said, describing the situation as a national emergency.

Speaking on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, the Afenifere leader warned that the country’s democratic system is increasingly coming under pressure due to what he described as a shrinking space for constructive opposition and political pluralism.

He argued that democracy can only thrive where opposition voices are allowed to function freely, cautioning against attempts to weaken or fracture alternative political platforms.

Using a metaphor to stress political inclusiveness, Olaitan said: “What is wrong with thousands of birds flying when the sky is wide enough for every flight?”

He attributed many of Nigeria’s current challenges to policy choices that prioritise market forces over social welfare, insisting that the country’s hardship is neither accidental nor inevitable.

According to him, Nigeria urgently needs policies that prioritise citizens’ welfare, job creation, agricultural revival, industrial development, and social justice.

Olaitan used the occasion to openly align Afenifere with the SDP, describing the party as the political platform best positioned to address Nigeria’s structural and governance challenges.
He said the SDP represents a return to a welfarist economic philosophy rooted in equity, social justice, and state-driven development interventions.

The Afenifere leader outlined key areas where government must play a stronger role, including agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, job creation, and access to affordable credit.

According to him, only a people-oriented economic model can reverse Nigeria’s deepening social and economic crisis.
He also urged SDP leaders and members to prioritise ideology, competence, and public service above personal ambition, warning that Nigeria cannot afford leadership driven by self-interest.

Olaitan described the SDP as a party with ideological depth and historical relevance, capable of offering Nigerians a credible alternative if properly positioned.

He stressed that Nigeria’s future depends on leaders willing to confront insecurity, rebuild the economy, and restore public confidence in governance institutions.
Calling for unity beyond ethnic and religious divisions, Olaitan said Nigeria must move towards a shared vision of peace, prosperity, and dignity for all citizens.

“Together, we must rescue Nigeria and build a country where peace and prosperity are not privileges, but rights,” he declared.

Participants at the convention described the speech as a defining political statement that has further intensified conversations around governance reform, economic restructuring, and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.