Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 elections, Adewole Adebayo, has emphasised the need for unity and accountability in Nigeria, saying the country’s destiny is inextricably linked to the North.
Adebayo stated this during a courtesy visit to the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Abuja, stressing that Northern Nigeria is not just a part of the country, but the “crown jewel” of the Nigerian state.
“We are not going anywhere, we are Nigerians and we want to remain so. The conversation should go beyond division, let’s have lines of different ideas on governance,” he said
Adebayo, who is vying for the presidency in 2027, lamented the current state of governance in the country, describing it as “abysmal” and stating that those in power are not addressing the country’s real problems.
He recalled the early days of Nigeria’s independence, when the country had a national development plan that was implemented by successive governments, regardless of party affiliation.
“We are running episodic governance. It’s not like the way we started the Nigerian National Development Plan from 1960 to 1965. Some roads designed by Gowon and Femi Okoronmu have not been built to this day.”
Adebayo also expressed concern about the influence of religion on politics and humanitarian responses, saying that human life is being weighed differently depending on faith.
He called on Nigerians to come together to understand each other and address the country’s problems, saying that if the South and North can do so, the majority of Nigeria’s problems will be solved.
“We must understand that there is one Nigeria, the North is a critical component, and we’re not going anywhere. Reforms are possible, but no reform can render me a non-Nigerian,” he added.
Adebayo promised to give Nigeria a government that is incorruptible, accountable, and provides services, stating that his alliance is first and foremost for Nigeria.
The former SDP presidential candidate also called on the ACF and other regional groups to speak out on issues affecting the country, saying that their voices are needed to hold the government accountable.
“We will consult with leaders, learn from their experiences, and call upon you to speak out,” he stated.
For his part, the chairman board of Trustees, Arewa Consultative Forum, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, who spoke on behalf of the forum, said Nigeria needs people who think in a united manner, emphasizing that ACF was established 25 years ago as a gathering of northern governors, emirs, chiefs, business people, and religious leaders to identify, promote, and protect the social, cultural, and economic interests of the North within the context of Nigeria.
“We are first and foremost Nigerians, and then Northern Nigerians. It is very pleasing to receive people like you so that we can exchange ideas. Since we are not in active partisan politics, we use visits like this to discuss things disturbing our progress and hindering development in the North.”
“The problems are clear: security, unemployment, and multitudes of children on the streets. These problems are not peculiar to the North; they exist throughout the country. The ACF has always welcomed politicians; those moments allow us to exchange ideas, see which politicians are concerned about tackling these problems, and share knowledge,” he stated.
He also stressed that, “In two weeks, we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ACF in Kaduna, and we are reaching out to all socio-cultural groups to address Nigeria’s problems in the spirit of brotherhood. We view what affects one Nigerian as affecting all. No group alone can solve Nigeria’s problems. We need to cooperate with those who can assist the country.”
