Former presidential candidate and leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has raised serious concerns over the worsening state of insecurity across Nigeria, warning that the country is drifting toward what he described as “one-man rule” as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum.
Speaking after a recent visit to crisis-hit communities in Plateau State, Adebayo gave a candid assessment of the nation’s security challenges, leadership failures, and the growing distrust between citizens and government.
Adebayo said his visit to Plateau was aimed at seeing firsthand the humanitarian crisis that has devastated communities such as Angua and Rubuka, where violent attacks left many families bereaved and entire communities traumatised.
According to him, the scale of the destruction and the emotional toll on residents were deeply disturbing.
“I visited Plateau to understand the plight of the people, particularly those in Angua and Rubuka, who have been subjected to one of the worst humanitarian crises imaginable. Families have been torn apart, lives lost, and entire communities thrown into fear and uncertainty,” he said.
He explained that beyond offering sympathy, the visit was also intended to restore hope and reassure affected residents that they had not been abandoned.
Adebayo noted that many victims now feel unprotected and disconnected from the government, with some beginning to question whether anyone truly cares about their safety and wellbeing.
He said discussions with community leaders, security personnel, and affected families revealed that the killings widely reported in the media represent only a fraction of the violence occurring across the country.
According to him, several cases of low-profile attacks and killings continue to happen in different parts of Nigeria without attracting public attention.
“What I discovered is that beyond the major attacks that make headlines, there are many smaller but equally painful incidents happening across the country. Many people no longer bother to speak out because they believe no one will listen,” he said.
Adebayo also criticised the response of political leadership to such tragedies, expressing disappointment over what he described as a lack of empathy and decisive action from those in authority.
He said the visit gave him the opportunity to better understand the operational challenges faced by security agencies and how communities can be better protected.
He stressed that the nation’s security personnel possess the capacity to respond effectively if they receive the right support and leadership.
On his political future, Adebayo confirmed that he would contest the 2027 presidential election under the SDP platform.
“Yes, of course, I am running for president in 2027,” he said.
He, however, insisted that his visit to Plateau should not be viewed merely as political posturing, adding that he went there first as a concerned Nigerian and a brother to the affected communities.
He linked the worsening insecurity to rising poverty, saying both challenges remain central to the country’s current crisis.
Reflecting on the state of opposition politics in Nigeria, Adebayo said the ongoing internal disputes in some opposition parties remain a concern but noted that such matters should be resolved through proper legal and institutional channels.
He said political parties in opposition must work harder to strengthen their internal systems, minimise internal conflicts, and present a united front if they are to effectively challenge the ruling party.
According to him, the larger threat facing Nigeria is not necessarily the emergence of a one-party state but rather the concentration of power in a single individual.
“In my candid view, Nigeria is not moving towards a one-party state. The greater danger is one-man rule. The concentration of power in one individual poses a serious risk, and even the ruling party itself may become the first casualty of such a system,” he said.
He argued that a lack of internal democracy within political parties weakens institutions and leaves the country vulnerable to authoritarian tendencies.
Adebayo also pointed to the low voter turnout recorded during the 2023 elections as evidence of widespread public disillusionment with the political process.
He noted that a significant number of registered voters chose not to participate, which he said reflects growing frustration with an elite-driven political system that no longer addresses the real concerns of ordinary Nigerians.
He urged citizens not to abandon democracy despite their frustrations, stressing that active civic participation remains the best path toward accountability and national progress.
“People must remain engaged, hold leaders accountable, reward performance, and reject failure at the ballot box. If citizens withdraw completely, the system will only deteriorate further,” he said.
Speaking on the increasing rate of political defections and cross-carpeting, Adebayo blamed the trend on the collapse of ideology and principle in Nigerian politics.
He lamented that politics has become transactional, driven more by personal interest and access to power than by service or conviction.
According to him, many politicians now operate like merchants, moving from one party to another depending on where they perceive greater advantage.
“There is no ideology anymore. Many people in politics today are simply chasing positions and influence. Whenever power shifts, the same people move to wherever the resources and patronage are,” he said.
On the debate over state police as a possible solution to insecurity, Adebayo said any security structure can work if backed by sincere leadership and clear accountability.
He maintained that the major problem confronting Nigeria is not necessarily institutional structure but a deep leadership deficit at every level of government.
“Anything sincerely implemented will work. State police can work, just as the current structure can work. The real issue is leadership. Without sincere leadership, no structure will deliver results,” he said.
Adebayo concluded by calling for a complete reset of the political class, urging the emergence of leaders with stronger values, credibility, and commitment to public service as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections.
Adebayo Raises Alarm Over Insecurity, Warns Against ‘One-Man Rule’ Ahead of 2027
