…Olaitan blames hardship, insecurity on failed governance
Leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has declared support for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), describing it as the political platform best positioned to rescue Nigeria from worsening insecurity, economic hardship and democratic decline.
Speaking at an SDP event in Bauchi State, Olaitan said Nigeria was passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history, marked by rising insecurity, deepening poverty, unemployment and growing threats to democratic pluralism.
The Afenifere leader lamented that many Nigerians now live in fear owing to persistent cases of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and communal conflicts, which he said had disrupted farming activities and undermined livelihoods across the country.
He also expressed concern over the nation’s economic situation, noting that the soaring cost of living had pushed basic necessities beyond the reach of many households, while millions of young people remained unemployed.
According to him, the hardship facing Nigerians is largely the result of policy choices that prioritise market forces and elite interests above the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Olaitan further accused the ruling government of undermining opposition politics and weakening the country’s multi-party democratic system, stressing that democracy can only thrive where divergent political opinions and parties are allowed to operate freely.
“The coming election is not about ethnicity, religion or regional interests. It is about the choice between continued hardship under the current political order and a new direction that places the welfare of Nigerians at the centre of governance,” he said.
The Afenifere leader called for what he described as a fundamental change in governance, advocating a shift towards social democratic principles that prioritise job creation, agricultural development, industrial growth, affordable education, healthcare, housing and social protection programmes.
He maintained that the SDP remains committed to people-oriented policies capable of restoring economic stability and strengthening democratic institutions.
According to him, the party possesses the ideology, leadership capacity and national structure required to confront insecurity, revive the economy and promote inclusive national development.
Olaitan urged party members and supporters to remain united and committed to the ideals of social democracy, emphasising the need for leaders who would place national interest above personal ambition.
He also called on Nigerians to embrace a collective vision of national renewal where citizens from every part of the country could live in peace, security and prosperity.
Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s future, Olaitan said purposeful leadership and people-focused policies would enable the country overcome its present challenges and build a more equitable and democratic society.
