BY AHMED AKANBI
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is under serious threat if what he called the “dictatorship” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is allowed to continue.
Speaking on a national television programme monitored midweek in Abuja, Adebayo said the survival of democratic governance should be Nigeria’s most urgent concern.
He argued that the country’s major challenge goes beyond fuel subsidy removal and other economic policies.
According to him, Nigerians must focus on protecting democratic institutions and ensuring the country continues to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
“What I know is that subsidy and some of these issues are not central to the challenges the country is facing. The real challenge is democracy itself,” Adebayo said.
The SDP candidate warned that the country could face dire democratic consequences if the current political situation persists.
“Democracy may end if we allow the burden of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dictatorship to continue,” he said.
Adebayo added that democracy would also be endangered if Nigeria fails to guarantee credible elections or continues to see rising voter apathy.
He said voter apathy is being fueled by the inability of political leaders to articulate a clear alternative for Nigerians on what the country can become in the short term.
The SDP candidate maintained that despite political and ideological differences, Nigerians agree more on the country’s development and future than they disagree.
Adebayo’s comments come amid growing political activities and realignments across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His warning reflects increasing concerns among opposition politicians over the political climate and the need to strengthen democratic institutions.
As preparations for the next general elections gather momentum, Adebayo stressed the importance of rebuilding public confidence in the electoral process.
He warned that continued voter apathy and the failure of leaders to provide credible alternatives could pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic future.