…Promises jobs for millions, free education and universal healthcare
…Says poverty, unemployment will drastically reduce within two years
By Peter Taiwo
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party for the 2027 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has unveiled an ambitious socio-economic recovery blueprint aimed at tackling poverty, unemployment, poor healthcare and infrastructural decay across Nigeria.
Adebayo, who emerged as the party’s consensus presidential candidate during the SDP national convention in Bauchi, said his administration would pursue a people-oriented government focused on economic revival, national productivity and improved living standards.
Speaking shortly after his emergence, the SDP flag bearer disclosed that his administration would implement over 500 programmes designed to address unemployment, insecurity, poor healthcare delivery, collapsing infrastructure and rising economic hardship.
According to him, poverty reduction would remain a major priority under an SDP-led government.
“The mandate you have given to me today will be used to articulate over 500 programmes at the end of which, in the first 18 months of our administration, poverty in Nigeria will reduce to two per cent,” Adebayo declared.
He also promised to reduce unemployment to four per cent within two years through a nationwide public works and job creation initiative expected to engage millions of Nigerians in productive sectors of the economy.
The SDP candidate explained that the employment drive would focus on infrastructure development, industrial revival, manufacturing, agriculture and support for small-scale enterprises across the federation.
On education, Adebayo pledged free and compulsory education from primary to tertiary level, stressing that the objective of education should extend beyond graduation to actual employability.
“Our education will continue until you get a job. Until you get a job, you have not graduated,” he stated.
He added that the proposed education and employment policies would work together to ensure a smooth transition from school to the labour market for Nigerian youths.
In the healthcare sector, Adebayo promised universal access to affordable healthcare services through a system linked to the National Identification Number.
According to him, every Nigerian would be entitled to four free medical checkups annually under the SDP healthcare programme.
“Your NIN will also become your health insurance number,” he said, noting that preventive healthcare would form a major pillar of his administration’s policy direction.
The SDP presidential candidate also outlined plans to revive moribund industries and public enterprises, including Ajaokuta Steel Company, refineries, textile factories and paper mills.
He maintained that reviving local industries would boost economic growth, create employment opportunities and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports.
Adebayo further promised industrial expansion across all states of the federation through the establishment and restoration of textile, cement, carpentry and manufacturing hubs capable of stimulating local economies.
The SDP candidate criticised the current administration’s management of the economy, alleging that savings from fuel subsidy removal had failed to translate into meaningful relief for ordinary Nigerians.
He blamed worsening hardship on corruption, inconsistent policies and poor economic management.
Adebayo also stressed the need for stronger state governments, independent legislatures and efficient local government administration, arguing that grassroots development and poverty eradication could only succeed through effective sub-national institutions.
He maintained that the SDP was presenting Nigerians with a practical alternative built on accountability, welfare and national development ahead of the 2027 general election.
