Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewale Adebayo, has issued a strong challenge to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to either use “bullets” to defeat terrorists or use the “pen” to resign from office.
Speaking at the 2025 National Electoral Reforms Summit in Abuja on Tuesday, Adebayo accused the Federal Government of turning insecurity into a “profitable venture” rather than treating it as a national emergency.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces can protect the whole of West Africa if you allow them,” Adebayo declared. “But they can’t even protect their own barracks when politicians tie their hands.”
He alleged that members of the political elite are financially benefiting from the prolonged security crisis, warning that without decisive action, the situation would only worsen.
Adebayo challenged President Tinubu to act within 30 days, insisting that Nigeria’s security woes could be reversed “if the government truly has the will.”
Reacting to recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump about Nigeria’s security challenges, Adebayo commended Trump for his “genuine concern” but cautioned Nigerians against politicizing or religiously interpreting the comments.
“Trump seems more mindful of Nigeria’s challenges than some of our leaders,” he said. “Our government should be ashamed.”
…Amaechi Calls For Change of Mindset
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who also addressed the summit, said political reform would remain impossible unless Nigerians changed their mindset.
“If we are waiting for the government to make any electoral reform, we are wasting our time,” Amaechi said. “Only by electing accountable leaders can this country move forward.”
However, former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, fired back at Amaechi, accusing him of hypocrisy.
“Amaechi should not condemn a government he was part of just because he left office two years ago,” Sani said.
…Ezekwesili: Nigeria Now Runs a ‘Courtroom Democracy’
For his part, former Education Minister, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, lamented that Nigeria now operates a “courtroom democracy,” where election victories are determined by judges rather than voters.
The summit, convened to push for comprehensive electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections, brought together political leaders, civil society representatives, and electoral experts to debate the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
