Presidential candidate, SDP, Adewole Adebayo, has emphasized the need for unity and accountability in Nigeria, saying that the country’s destiny is inextricably linked to the North.
He made the call 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 saying that those in power are not addressing the real problems facing the country.
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 1960-1965. 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 could do so, the majority of Nigeria’s problems would 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 a government that is incorruptible, accountable, and provides services, saying that his alliance is to Nigeria first.
He 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, speaking on behalf of the forum, said Nigeria needed people who think in a united manner, emphasising that ACF was established 25 years ago, 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, 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; these moments allow us to exchange ideas, see which politicians are concerned about tackling these problems, and share knowledge. He stated
He also said, “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. ”
Dalhatu commended the visit and officially invited Adebayo and his team to the 25th anniversary, scheduled to take place in Kaduna, to observe the business of the day and to consolidate brotherhood across Nigeria.
