…Slams Tinubu’s economic policies

Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has pledged to implement the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Chapter II of the Nigerian Constitution if elected president in 2027.
Speaking during his acceptance speech after emerging as the SDP’s presidential candidate, Adebayo said his administration would be guided by Sections 13 to 23 of the Constitution, which place responsibility on government to ensure the welfare, security, and prosperity of citizens.

According to him, political power belongs to Nigerians and must be exercised in their interest rather than for personal enrichment.
“There is a book that brought us together. It is called the Constitution of Nigeria. That book says power belongs to the people of Nigeria and from the people government derives its authority,” he said.

Adebayo argued that successive governments have failed to faithfully implement the constitutional provisions on social welfare, economic justice, and public accountability, insisting that the SDP was founded on the same social democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution.
In a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the SDP flagbearer accused the government of prioritising the interests of a privileged few over the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

He alleged that the nation’s resources were not being deployed for the security and wellbeing of citizens as envisioned by the Constitution.
Adebayo further criticised the administration’s economic policies, arguing that they had deepened poverty, unemployment, and insecurity across the country.

Outlining his vision for government, the SDP candidate promised an ambitious programme aimed at drastically reducing poverty and unemployment within the first two years of his administration.
He pledged to invest savings from anti-corruption measures into infrastructure development, including roads in rural communities across the country.

The former presidential candidate also promised free and compulsory qualitative education from the elementary level to tertiary institutions, coupled with a jobs programme designed to ensure graduates transition directly into employment.
On healthcare, Adebayo proposed a universal healthcare system that would guarantee access to medical services for all Nigerians, including regular health screenings and expanded health insurance coverage linked to citizens’ National Identification Numbers.

He also vowed to revive major moribund industries and public enterprises, including steel plants, textile companies, paper mills, refineries, and other manufacturing concerns, arguing that industrialisation remains the fastest route to job creation and economic growth.
On security, Adebayo promised to restore territorial control across Nigeria and eliminate the activities of terrorists, bandits, and other violent criminal groups.

He said his administration would rebuild the nation’s security institutions and restore the reputation of the Nigerian Armed Forces, which he noted once played leading peacekeeping roles across Africa.
According to him, the 2027 election presents Nigerians with an opportunity to return government to its constitutional purpose of serving the people through justice, social welfare, economic development, and national security.

Adebayo maintained that Chapter II of the Constitution provides a clear blueprint for national development and pledged to make its implementation the central objective of an SDP administration.