Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewale Adebayo, has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu, asking him to either use the “bullets” to end insecurity or use the “pen” to resign.
Speaking in Abuja at the 2025 National Electoral Reforms Summit, Adebayo accused the Federal Government of turning insecurity into a money-making venture, rather than a national emergency.
He said the military has what it takes to crush terrorists and bandits if given a free hand, blaming the ruling class for “using insecurity as an excuse to loot the treasury.”
“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 challenged President Tinubu to act decisively within 30 days, saying Nigeria’s security could be restored if the government had the will.
Adebayo also reacted to comments by Donald Trump on Nigeria’s security woes, praising him for showing concern but warning Nigerians not to turn Trump’s remarks into a religious or political debate.
“Trump seems more mindful of Nigeria’s challenges than some of our leaders,” he added. “Our government should be ashamed.”
Amaechi, Ezekwesili, Shehu Sani Clash Over Reforms
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, told participants that political reform would remain a mirage unless Nigerians change their mindset.
“If we are waiting for government to make any electoral reform, we are wasting our time,” Amaechi said. “Only by electing accountable leaders can this country move forward.”
On her part, former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, lamented that Nigeria now practices “courtroom democracy,” where election winners emerge through court rulings instead of the ballot box.
However, former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani, took a jab at Amaechi, saying he has no moral right to criticize a system he once served.
“Amaechi should not condemn a government he was part of just because he left office two years ago,” Sani fired back.
