In a recent and compelling interview, Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), shared his critical views on the policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu since he took office in 2023. Adebayo boldly asserted that, contrary to any claims of progress, the average Nigerian’s quality of life remains stagnant or, in many cases, has worsened under Tinubu’s administration. This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among the populace regarding the economic and social policies affecting their daily lives.
Adebayo emphasized the government’s failure to effectively address pressing issues such as the pervasive economic hardship and escalating insecurity that has plagued the nation. He stated, “The fact of the matter is that no one’s life is better off except those who are in government,” drawing attention to a stark division between the experiences of the political elite and ordinary citizens. He continued, of his own lived experience and that of his neighbors, “I know that my life is not better off, and those of my neighbors are not better off.”
The SDP candidate lamented the deteriorating economic climate, highlighting that the struggles are not isolated to any particular social class. Instead, they permeate the lives of Nigerians from all walks of life. “It’s crucial that our discussions about governance prioritize the welfare of the citizens above all else—not partisan interests or political games,” Adebayo urged, pressing for a more people-centric approach to leadership.
This criticism is not new; it mirrors Adebayo’s previous remarks made in 2025, where he similarly condemned the Tinubu administration for implementing policies that disproportionately burden the average Nigerian with financial strain. He pointed out that the government seems to be more intent on revenue generation than on alleviating the economic distress of the populace. “President Tinubu is a clever tax collector. He wants to collect taxes from you for everything, including an oxygen tax, very soon,” Adebayo quipped, showcasing a humorous yet poignant critique of the administration’s fiscal approach. “If you’re not careful, yes, the air we breathe—just give him time; he’s going to get there.”
Moreover, Adebayo voiced strong objections to the administration’s import duty policies, which he characterized as excessively punitive and contrary to President Tinubu’s earlier pro-democracy stance. He reflected on the President’s past affiliations with democratic movements, lamenting, “It is an anti-people decision and a trend in the new Tinubu. Tinubu that used to be in SDP, following Abiola everywhere doing Hope 93, has practically changed to the side of the money people.”
Adebayo’s impassioned comments resonate with those who feel that the current policies reduce citizens to mere customers in the eyes of the government rather than recognizing them as vital constituents with rights and needs. He humorously speculated that soon, any family with twins or triplets might find themselves facing a ‘twins tax’ or ‘multiple childbirth tax,’ reflecting a widespread sentiment that the administration is more focused on increasing tax revenue than addressing the fundamental challenges that families face. “He’s just thinking of how to collect more money. It’s wrong,” he concluded, encapsulating his belief that the government must recalibrate its focus to center on the well-being of its citizens.
As the discourse around governance continues, Adebayo’s critiques highlight the urgent need for a reevaluation of policies aimed at fostering genuine economic growth and ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights and welfare in Nigeria.
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