…Opposition figure blames economic hardship on government policies
…Urges Nigerians to demand accountability and constitutional rights
The presidential candidate of the (SDP), , has accused the administration of President of deliberately presiding over conditions that deepen poverty and weaken citizens’ ability to hold government accountable.
Speaking during an interview on the state of the nation, Adebayo argued that the widespread economic hardship confronting Nigerians is not accidental but the result of policy failures under the ruling (APC).
According to him, millions of Nigerians have become consumed by the struggle for daily survival, leaving them with little opportunity to demand the benefits and protections guaranteed by citizenship.
“The poverty that Nigerians are facing is artificial, government-inflicted and self-tolerated by the people,” Adebayo said.
The SDP chieftain maintained that rather than empowering citizens through quality education, economic opportunities and social welfare programmes, the government has allowed conditions that keep many Nigerians dependent on political patronage and handouts.
He argued that a population burdened by hunger and deprivation would naturally find it difficult to challenge authority or insist on constitutional guarantees from elected leaders.
“My opponent is not Tinubu. My opponent is the ignorance of the people. Once they understand what government is supposed to do and what their rights are as citizens, they will know why they are suffering,” he stated.
Adebayo further contended that the Tinubu administration has failed to uphold the principles contained in Chapter Two of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the responsibilities of government toward citizens.
He insisted that if public resources were properly managed and deployed in line with constitutional provisions, the country would not be grappling with its current levels of poverty, unemployment and social dislocation.
The former presidential candidate pointed to the growing number of out-of-school children across the country as evidence of what he described as a government that has abandoned its core responsibilities.
According to him, children of school age can be found hawking goods, begging for alms and roaming the streets in many parts of the country, while numerous pupils enrolled in schools receive little or no meaningful education.
“There is no part of Nigeria where you will not find children selling on the streets or begging. Some receive no schooling at all, while others receive schooling without education,” he said.
Adebayo also alleged that the nation’s education system has deteriorated significantly, producing graduates who are ill-equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He warned that a poorly educated population is easier to manipulate politically and less likely to hold leaders accountable.
The SDP leader further accused the government of diverting attention from pressing national issues, including insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship.
According to him, prevailing socio-economic conditions have created a society where citizens are increasingly willing to accept short-term relief and political inducements rather than demand lasting reforms and effective governance.
He argued that such a situation benefits politicians who exploit poverty to secure loyalty and reduce public scrutiny.
Adebayo maintained that the solution lies in political enlightenment and civic education, stressing that Nigerians must understand the meaning of citizenship and the obligations government owes them.
“Politicians are looking for voters, but citizens should first understand that they are citizens and what that means. Once they understand their rights, they will stop settling for crumbs and start demanding good governance,” he said.
He added that meaningful political change would occur only when Nigerians reject what he described as a culture of dependency and begin holding leaders accountable for the nation’s vast resources and opportunities.
Adebayo concluded that the task before opposition parties and reform-minded leaders extends beyond defeating President Tinubu at the polls, insisting that citizens must be awakened to their constitutional rights and responsibilities.
According to him, Nigeria’s democratic and economic fortunes will improve significantly once citizens become politically conscious and refuse to be controlled by poverty and patronage.
