The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asserting that while the president excels at political strategy, his performance in actual governance is deeply disappointing. During an interview with Vanguard, Adebayo questioned the potential legacy Tinubu would leave behind, considering his low scorecard in leadership execution. “When it comes to the political game, President Tinubu deserves an A1,” Adebayo remarked. “Unfortunately, that distinction in political manipulation is matched by an F9 when it comes to governing the country.” He emphasized that although Tinubu clearly understands the dynamics of the political elite and how to manipulate them to his advantage, he lacks insight into the real needs and expectations of everyday Nigerians. Adebayo explained: “The president is well-versed in the motivations of politicians. He knows exactly how to manipulate the political class — recruiting them, disengaging them when necessary, retiring them, and even bringing them back onboard. He knows what drives them. “But that’s not the same as leading a nation. If President Tinubu fails to protect lives in volatile regions like Benue, Plateau, and other crisis-prone areas, then it’s a clear sign that his administration is failing the people.” The former presidential hopeful went further to accuse Tinubu of believing that ordinary citizens are disengaged from the political process, and that controlling government institutions and political elites is sufficient to maintain dominance. Adebayo issued a warning that the real political resistance will not emerge from politicians but from the Nigerian electorate, whose growing awareness could soon reshape the democratic landscape. He cautioned those who attempt to convert career politicians into meaningful opposition voices, pointing out that their motivations are often self-serving rather than ideological. “Many of these so-called opposition voices only raise their concerns after being excluded from political appointments or government boards,” he said. “It’s only when they are dropped from ministerial positions or denied lucrative board seats that they suddenly become vocal — hoping to stir noise and get reabsorbed into the system.”
