Prominent politician and former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has warned that Nigeria risks sliding into a one-man rule rather than evolving into a one-party state amid growing concerns over governance, insecurity and weakening opposition politics.

Adebayo, who recently visited violence-affected communities in Plateau State, said his trip was aimed at gaining firsthand insight into the humanitarian crisis in areas such as Angua Rukuba, where repeated attacks have left many families bereaved and displaced.

He described the situation as “devastating,” noting that beyond widely reported incidents, numerous low-profile killings continue across the country without adequate attention.

According to him, many affected communities have lost confidence in government protection and feel abandoned.

He said victims are increasingly reluctant to report incidents, believing authorities will not respond, adding that the situation has led some to question “the humanity of fellow human beings.”

The SDP chieftain said his interactions with community leaders, victims and security personnel exposed gaps in response capacity and coordination.

While expressing confidence in the ability of law enforcement agencies, he attributed their inefficiency to poor leadership and inadequate support.

He also criticised the federal government’s handling of crisis situations, arguing that leadership demands direct engagement with affected communities rather than symbolic gestures.

Addressing questions about his political ambition, Adebayo confirmed he would contest the 2027 presidential election, insisting that his recent activities were driven by national concern rather than political considerations.

He said politicians could still demonstrate empathy and solidarity with grieving citizens.

On the state of opposition politics, particularly the crisis within the African Democratic Congress, he maintained that internal disputes should be resolved through legal processes.

He added that while party members have the right to protest, clarity must ultimately come from the courts, especially in matters involving the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Adebayo expressed broader concerns about the weakening of opposition parties, warning that internal wrangling and poor organisation could undermine their ability to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.

However, he dismissed fears that Nigeria is heading toward a one-party system under the APC, cautioning instead against what he described as a more dangerous trend — the concentration of power around President Bola Tinubu.

He argued that such a development could weaken even the ruling party by eroding internal democracy and institutional strength.

Drawing from the 2023 general elections, Adebayo noted that low voter turnout reflects widespread political disengagement, with many Nigerians feeling disconnected from the process.

“Our politics has become that of a self-interested elite,” he said, urging citizens to remain actively engaged in holding leaders accountable.

On frequent defections and internal party crises, Adebayo attributed the trend to a decline in ideological politics, lamenting that many politicians now operate without clear principles and switch parties based on personal gain.

He called for a reinvention of the political class, warning that without systemic reform, the same actors would continue to dominate the political space regardless of party affiliation.

Speaking on insecurity and the debate over state policing, Adebayo maintained that structural reforms alone would not address the challenge without credible leadership.

He stressed that both the current security architecture and any proposed state police system could succeed if driven by sincerity and accountability.

“The problem is not the structure; it is leadership,” he said, adding that meaningful progress would require improvements not only in systems but also in the quality of leadership at all levels of government.