Poverty Is Not Nigeria’s Destiny — Adebayo Blames Tinubu, Positions SDP As Alternative

Abuja, Nigeria — Presidential flagbearer in the 2027 general elections and leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has criticised the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, declaring that poverty in Nigeria is not inevitable but the direct consequence of failed leadership, poor policy choices and misplaced priorities.

Adebayo stated that despite nearly three years of economic reforms under the Tinubu administration, millions of Nigerians continue to face worsening hardship, declining purchasing power and growing economic uncertainty.

The SDP leader made the remarks in a message shared on his official X account, @Pres_Adebayo, where he accused those in power of failing to translate Nigeria’s vast resources and economic potential into meaningful opportunities for ordinary citizens.

According to Adebayo, Nigeria’s persistent poverty is not the result of a lack of resources but the outcome of leadership failures that have prevented economic growth from benefiting the wider population.

“Poverty is not Nigeria’s destiny. It is the result of failed leadership and it can be defeated with the right government, the right priorities, and the right plan,” Adebayo stated.

The presidential candidate argued that the country possesses abundant natural and human resources capable of lifting millions of people out of poverty if properly managed.

He maintained that the central problem confronting Nigeria is not the absence of wealth but the inability of government policies to create opportunities and ensure that economic growth reaches ordinary citizens.

“The problem in Nigeria is not a lack of resources. It is a lack of opportunities and a failure by those in power to ensure that growth reaches the people,” he said.

Adebayo further criticised the tendency of governments to celebrate macroeconomic indicators while citizens continue to struggle with the realities of unemployment, insecurity and rising living costs.

According to him, genuine economic success should not be measured solely by economic statistics, government projections or international ratings, but by improvements in the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians.

He stressed that government policies should be assessed based on whether citizens can afford food, secure decent employment, support their families and live safely in their communities.

The SDP chieftain positioned his party as a viable political alternative ahead of future elections, saying the party’s programme is focused on reducing poverty, creating jobs, improving security and ensuring a fairer distribution of the nation’s wealth.

He said the SDP remains committed to building an economy that works for all Nigerians rather than a privileged few.

Calling on citizens to become actively involved in shaping the country’s future through democratic participation, Adebayo urged Nigerians to embrace political change and support the SDP’s vision for national renewal.

“Change begins now. Join the SDP. Say farewell to poverty,” he added.