The former Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo has called for a national return to the founding philosophy that guided Nigeria’s independence, stressing that good governance, not transactional politics, must define Nigeria’s political culture.
He made the call at a recent high-level meeting in Osun State involving Afenifere, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and other influential national leaders.
Speaking at the gathering, the former SDP presidential flagbearer said Nigeria was established as a negotiated federation by leaders from all regions —the North, East, West, and South — who worked together to secure independence at the Lancaster House constitutional talks.
He noted that early political parties were formed to implement national development plans rooted in fairness and inclusivity, but the intervention of the military disrupted that foundation.
“What we have practised since then are politics influenced by military rule or post-military habits,” he said.
He noted that the Osun meeting was aimed at rebuilding a national philosophy anchored on social democracy.
According to him, the goal is to ensure that both aspiring political leaders and the citizens who entrust them with power clearly understand the social contract that politics demands.
“We want to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of Nigerians through a government that is the direct opposite of what we have experienced in recent times,” he stated.
The former candidate emphasized that the initiative was not about the SDP or Afenifere but about restoring the ideals that shaped Nigeria’s independence and early political development.
He referenced historical political movements—including the Action Group, UPN, PRP, NEPU, UMBC, the Northern People’s Congress, and the NCNC—saying they were all born from the same commitment to public service and national progress.
“We are bringing all these philosophies together to remind Nigerians that governance – good governance – is the purpose of politics. Politics is not for selfish leaders or transactional politicians who treat it like a casino to reap personal gains,” he said.
He insisted that politics must once again become a tool for serving the Nigerian people, not a platform for personal enrichment.
