Nigeria Still Hasn't Achieved True Democracy, SDP's Adebayo Says

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, said that Nigeria has not yet achieved true democracy.

He argued that the country is still governed under what he calls “civilian rule” rather than a fully democratic system.

Speaking in an interview with journalists after the nation’s Democracy Day celebration, Adebayo contended that although Nigeria has maintained uninterrupted civilian governance since 1999, key democratic principles—accountability, the rule of law, credible elections, and the welfare of citizens—remain weak.

He noted that the nation’s challenges have intensified over time, despite political transitions.

“Since 1993, only two things have changed — our problems have become bigger, and our democratic space has become smaller,” he said.

The SDP leader warned that worsening poverty and insecurity could lead to instability if urgent action is not taken.

“Poverty has grown and given birth to insecurity. If we fail to address both, they may eventually give rise to instability, revolution, or even genocide,” Adebayo stated.

These remarks come as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Democracy Day speech, urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the country’s many challenges.