Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his recent visit to Benue State. The SDP leader said the visit, meant to console grieving communities, was reduced to a political spectacle.
Adebayo: “Benue Deserved Empathy, Not Campaign Rhetoric”
Writing on his official X handle, Adebayo described the town hall meeting held during Tinubu’s visit as “sickening.” According to him, the government must treat national tragedies with seriousness—not political drama.
“Our entire governmental mindset needs a reset,” he stated. “How could the focus be on 2027 elections and not on the gruesome killings?”
He accused Tinubu of using the visit to highlight his “sacrifice” in coming to Benue, rather than taking responsibility or offering lasting solutions.
Leadership Failure Ignored, SDP Leader Insists
Adebayo said the president ignored key issues like security lapses and leadership failure. Instead, the speech was filled with self-praise.
“No one listening would believe this state just experienced a horrifying massacre,” he said. “The president should have focused on protecting citizens—not on praise for showing up.”
Traditional Rulers Also Criticised
Adebayo also condemned traditional leaders in the affected areas. He said it was shameful that they used the moment to endorse Tinubu for 2027.
“That they pledged ‘massive support’ for 2027 during such a tragic time is both pathetic and undignified,” he wrote. “It shows how far our political class has fallen.”
Nigeria Needs a New Direction
In his closing remarks, Adebayo called for a total shift in leadership thinking. He said Nigeria must abandon the politics of insensitivity and face its deep-rooted issues.
“We must bid farewell to poverty, insecurity, and this broken political culture. God help Nigeria,” he declared.
