Nigerians Need Trustworthy Leaders, Not Politicians Without Principles – Adebayo

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has emphasized the urgent need for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s political system. Speaking at the 2024 reunion of House of Representatives members (1979-present), he called for the emergence of new and rehabilitated leaders committed to genuine public service.

Adebayo expressed concern about the negative perception of Nigerian politicians, both domestically and internationally, which he attributed to a lack of principles and integrity within the political class. He stated, “Nigerians believe that politicians lack principles, creating a poor image for the country abroad.”

While commending the convener, Rt. Hon. Mulikat Akande Adeola, for organizing the event, Adebayo encouraged lawmakers, past and present, to collectively oppose injustice and maladministration. “The House of Representatives members are the closest parliamentarians to the people,” he noted, lamenting the loss of trust between lawmakers and their constituents.

Adebayo called for reforms to strengthen institutions such as the judiciary, civil service, and industrial sectors, alongside rebuilding trust in governance. He lamented the widespread view of politics as a self-serving career rather than a platform for public service, adding, “In a country with high unemployment, politics has become a business rather than a service.” Rt. Hon. Mulikat Akande Adeola described the reunion as a historic event aimed at fostering dialogue on national issues. Former Speaker Yakubu Dogara emphasized the importance of periodic gatherings to discuss nation-building and patriotic governance. Speakers at the event underscored the importance of restoring integrity in leadership and prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians amid economic challenges.