Nigeria Drifting Towards One-man Rule – Adebayo

Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has cautioned that Nigeria risks drifting toward a “one-man rule” rather than a one-party state, amid growing concerns over governance, insecurity, and the state of opposition politics.

In a statement by his media office, Adebayo  dismissed claims that Nigeria is heading toward a one-party state, instead pointing to what he described as a more dangerous trend.

“The real risk is one-man rule,” he said, warning about a growing concentration of power around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He added that such a development could weaken not just the broader political system but also the ruling party itself by eroding internal democracy and institutional strength.

Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, Adebayo linked low voter turnout to widespread political disengagement. “Our politics has become that of a self-interested elite,” he said, urging citizens to remain involved in holding leaders accountable.

On the recurring issue of defections and party crises, he attributed the trend to a lack of ideological commitment among politicians.

“We need to reinvent the political class,” he said, warning that without meaningful reform, the same set of political actors would continue to dominate the system regardless of party affiliation.

Adebayo, who recently visited violence-hit communities in Plateau State, said his trip was driven by the need to assess the humanitarian situation in areas such as Angua Rukuba, where attacks have left many dead and others displaced.

He  described the situation as “devastating,” noting that beyond high-profile incidents, numerous killings continue to go largely unreported.

According to him, many affected communities have lost confidence in the government’s ability to protect them. “People are beginning to question the humanity of fellow human beings,” he said, adding that some victims no longer bother reporting attacks because they believe authorities will not respond.

He explained that his interactions with victims, community leaders, and security personnel exposed serious gaps in response capacity and coordination. While expressing confidence in security agencies, he blamed their challenges on poor leadership and inadequate support.

Adebayo also faulted the federal government’s approach to crisis management, arguing that effective leadership requires direct engagement with affected communities rather than symbolic gestures.

On his political future, he confirmed plans to contest the 2027 presidential election, insisting his recent actions were motivated by concern for Nigerians, not political calculation. “You can be a politician and still be a decent human being who mourns with those who are mourning,” he said.

Speaking on opposition politics, particularly the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Adebayo said internal disputes should be settled through legal means. While acknowledging the right to protest, he stressed that final clarity must come from the courts, especially in matters involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He warned that persistent infighting and weak organisation among opposition parties could undermine their ability to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing insecurity and calls for state policing, Adebayo argued that structural changes alone would not solve the problem without credible leadership.

“The problem is not the structure; it is leadership,” he stated, stressing that real progress depends on both institutional reforms and improved leadership across all levels of government.