0
Prince Adewole Adebayo is the former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In this interview with TITILOPE JOSEPH, he speaks on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, what he describes as failed leadership, and growing fears of power concentration. While drawing from recent visits to troubled communities, he shares his concerns and outlines his vision ahead of 2027. Excerpts:
You have been touring parts of the country, including Jos. What informed your visit to Plateau State, and what were you seeking to understand?
I visited Plateau State to understand the plight of people in Angua and Rubuka, who have suffered a severe humanitarian crisis. Attackers descended on these communities, leaving many families bereaved, killing residents, injuring others, and traumatising the entire population. It was deeply devastating. I felt it was important to be there to reassure them and help restore their hope. Many had begun to feel abandoned, as though they were unprotected by any government. Some even questioned the humanity of others and whether they had been left on their own. I wanted them to know they are not alone, and that Nigeria remains a country with strong prospects despite its challenges. The failures of government do not amount to the failure of the nation itself, and I believe our presence helped reinforce that message.
I also engaged with first responders and security personnel to understand their readiness and why they were unable to prevent or respond effectively to the attacks. We discussed their approach to community engagement, especially with young people, and what could have been done differently.
In addition, I met with community leaders to hear their perspectives on governance at both the state and federal levels, and I spoke with families of the victims. Since leaving, more people have reached out to share their experiences.
What became clear is that beyond the widely reported attacks, there are many smaller, unreported killings happening across the country. People have become resigned, believing there is little point in speaking out because no one will listen. The accounts I have received since then are both troubling and deeply concerning.
Is this act of yours for optics, especially ahead of 2027, or simply as an ordinary Nigerian?
Politics is not on my mind at this stage; my concern is the survival of the country. I was embarrassed by what I consider a failure of leadership when the president chose to complain about electricity at the airport instead of visiting the epicentre of the crisis, meeting affected families, and assessing the situation firsthand.
I felt it was important to show that not everyone in leadership would respond that way. During my visit, I engaged with faith leaders and saw a worrying decline in solidarity among the people.
The experience also gave me insight into what effective leadership should look like — how to gather intelligence, work closely with communities, and support citizens to play their part in ensuring security.
My interactions with law enforcement agents strengthened my confidence in their capacity, even as it became clear they are operating under poor leadership and inadequate support. The same applies at the state level, where leadership appears disconnected from the realities on the ground.
From what I observed, security agencies have the potential to protect communities effectively if properly supported. For instance, I understood why the police station in Agbarukuba could not respond in the circumstances they faced. However, little has been done since then to improve capacity.
There is intelligence available, but the failure lies in how it is utilised. These experiences highlight the urgent need to rethink and strengthen our community protection system, and I have taken valuable lessons from them.
Looking ahead, are you positioning yourself for another presidential run in 2027?
Yes, I am. But seeking office does not take away one’s humanity. You can be a politician and still stand with people in moments of grief. You can show empathy and remain grounded in your values.
I went there as a brother to the community, not for political gain. It may not have been the most visible platform politically, but it was necessary. I will continue to stand with them, even away from public attention.
That said, this is a political season, and I will be contesting under the SDP. In my previous campaign, I spoke about saying farewell to poverty and insecurity. Those issues remain deeply connected, and unfortunately, both have worsened.
It is important to keep speaking about them, propose better solutions, and carry communities along in finding lasting answers.
With internal crises affecting opposition parties, particularly the divisions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), how do you assess the state of the opposition?
I am a politician, but first, I am a lawyer, and that comes with professional discipline. When matters are before the court, I rely on what is presented there rather than media interpretations, which can sometimes be inaccurate.
From what I understand, the situation in the ADC revolves around a leadership dispute and whether the transition was properly handled. The matter is already in court, with the Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC) as a party. INEC has taken a position based on its interpretation of the court’s directive to maintain the status quo.
Those within the ADC have every right to disagree with that interpretation and to express their concerns. However, the most effective way to resolve such a dispute is to return to court for clarification.
In politics, each actor pursues their own strategy, but where a legal process is ongoing, the court remains the final authority. Until the issues are clearly determined, no party can claim a definitive position, regardless of public protests or claims.
With concerns about a drift toward one-man rule, party defections have become widespread. Why does the judiciary often end up resolving internal party disputes?
I think it comes down to leadership recruitment. In the past, politics was driven by politicians with clear ideals. As Aminu Kano observed during the transition to the Second Republic, we began to see businessmen entering politics.
During military rule, contractors and allies of the regime realised politics had become highly profitable, and they moved in. That was how money politics took over.
Today, many politicians behave like merchants. There is little ideology or guiding principle. Like traders, they go where it is most beneficial, moving without any firm conviction.
The mistake people make is assuming that everyone who looks like a politician truly represents political values. That is not the case. We need to rebuild the political class.
Many so-called leaders today neither represent nor guide anyone. They are simply competing for positions. If nothing changes, they will continue to move with power—following whoever is in charge today and someone else tomorrow.
Even if an unfit person comes to power but controls resources and patronage, many will still align with that person. That is the reality.
What we need is to return to the people and build a new political class. The current structure is unlikely to reform itself.
Considering the recent wave of killings, do you believe state policing can effectively address insecurity?
Any system will work if it is implemented with sincerity. Even the current structure can function under strong leadership—one that prioritises security over politics or personal gain.
State police can also work, but only if guided by the same principles. If it operates under the kind of leadership we currently see in some states, it will fail.
The real issue is not the structure but leadership. There is a leadership deficit at every level; federal, state, and local and even community leaders often lack the support they need.
If you change the system without changing the quality of leadership, nothing will improve.
