“If Things Don’t Improve, Tinubu Should Thank God He Was President, Go Home” — Fmr Presidential Candidate

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s performance, warning that the president should reconsider seeking a second term if key national issues remain unresolved.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Adebayo accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of mismanaging the country. He said, “So I don’t think that if things remain the way they are in 2027, President Tinubu, in good conscience, should be surprised if he’s massively voted out. Nigerians have suffered enough. His policies are not working.”

Adebayo highlighted concerns over macroeconomics, security, poverty, and employment, adding that any improvement in these areas could make the 2027 elections competitive. “But the way it is now, I don’t think that for the good of the country—even for the good of the president himself—he should just go home and thank God that he’s been president for four years,” he stated.

His remarks come shortly after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zoned its presidential ticket to the southern region ahead of the 2027 elections, a move some observers believe could have altered the outcome of the 2023 polls. Adebayo, however, downplayed the PDP’s strategy, insisting that Nigerians have multiple options.

“Besides PDP, we have better options, so it’s not a thing that if the PDP commits suicide, the APC automatically inherits the politics. No,” he said. “What we know is that APC and PDP are like Siamese twins—they are the same company now. They work together. Nigeria wants alternative politics. We’re looking for a new direction. That’s what people are saying.”

The APC has endorsed Tinubu for another four-year term ahead of the elections, though critics argue that the early endorsement may be insensitive given Nigerians’ struggles with ongoing reforms. The ruling party has urged patience, insisting that the benefits of its policies will be felt soon.