By Lateef Ibrahim
Former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has called for a renewed commitment to the foundational principles that shaped Nigeria’s independence.
He emphasized that governance rooted in the public good—rather than transactional politics—must define the nation’s political trajectory.
Adebayo made this appeal during a high-level summit in Osun State, which convened representatives from Afenifere, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and other prominent national figures.
Addressing the assembly, Adebayo noted that Nigeria was established as a negotiated federation, where leaders from the North, East, West, and South collaborated to secure independence during the Lancaster House constitutional conferences.
He explained that early political parties were designed to drive development plans grounded in equity and inclusion, a path he argued was derailed by military intervention.
“Since then, our political system has largely reflected military influence and post-military tendencies,” Adebayo observed.
The summit, he stated, was convened to revive a unifying national philosophy based on social democracy. According to Adebayo, the objective is to ensure both political aspirants and citizens clearly understand the responsibilities inherent in the social contract of governance.
“Our aim is to deliver the greatest good for the greatest number of Nigerians through a system that contrasts sharply with the status quo,” he added.
He emphasized that this initiative transcends the interests of the SDP or Afenifere, focusing instead on restoring the core values that underpinned Nigeria’s early political development.
Referencing legacy political groups—such as the Action Group, UPN, PRP, NEPU, UMBC, the Northern People’s Congress, and the NCNC—Adebayo noted that they were driven by a shared commitment to national service.
“We are uniting these philosophies to remind Nigerians that the essence of politics is good governance.
It should not be reduced to a pursuit of personal gain or treated like a casino by self-serving politicians,” he said.
Adebayo concluded by reiterating that politics must serve as a vehicle for advancing the welfare of the Nigerian people, rather than a means for individual enrichment.
