Nigeria Must Reclaim Founding Ideals of Fairness and Inclusivity — Adebayo

Former Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has advocated a return to the founding philosophy that shaped Nigeria’s independence.

Prince Adebayo made the call during a high-level meeting in Osun State attended by Afenifere, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and other prominent national leaders.
He emphasized that good governance, rather than transactional politics, should once again define Nigeria’s political culture.
The former SDP flagbearer noted that Nigeria was founded as a negotiated federation by leaders from all regions—the North, East, West, and South—who collaborated to achieve independence during the Lancaster House constitutional talks.
According to him, the early political parties were established to drive national development based on fairness and inclusiveness, but this vision was disrupted by military intervention.
“What we have practiced since then are politics influenced by military rule or post-military habits,” he said.
He explained that the Osun meeting was focused on rebuilding a national philosophy rooted in social democracy.
Adebayo added that the aim is to ensure that both aspiring leaders and citizens who entrust them with power clearly understand the social contract that underpins politics.
“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.
He stressed that the initiative goes beyond the SDP or Afenifere, noting that it is about restoring the ideals that defined Nigeria’s independence and early political evolution.
The former candidate also referenced historical political movements—including the Action Group, UPN, PRP, NEPU, UMBC, the Northern People’s Congress, and the NCNC—highlighting that they were founded on a shared commitment to public service and national development.
“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 maintained that politics must once again serve as a tool for the benefit of the Nigerian people, rather than a means for personal enrichment.