Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, urged for a collective effort to oppose “episodic governance” in Nigeria, emphasizing that the country’s progress cannot be reversed.
Adebayo made these remarks during his visit to the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) headquarters in Abuja, where he met with the forum’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Bashir Dalhatu. He asserted that the ACF and similar groups, like the Northern Elders Forum, are crucial for Nigeria’s stability and must increase their role in national integration, especially as political institutions weaken. He described Northern Nigeria as the “crown jewel of the Nigerian state” and likened the nation’s journey to a train without a reverse gear.
Adebayo lamented “episodic governance,” where subsequent administrations abandon existing development plans. He called for a return to national planning models focused on unity, service delivery, and accountability. He expressed concern that even fundamental issues like Nigeria’s sovereignty are being debated, noting that tragic events like the killings in the North fail to unify the country in condemnation. He stressed that national unity must transcend regional, ethnic, and religious differences. He insisted that reforms must be geared toward making Nigeria functional for every citizen, regardless of their background, and underlined that the North is a critical component of the country. He promised that his party would prioritize accountability and service delivery and would focus on grooming a new generation of patriotic leaders.
ACF Chairman Bashir Dalhatu commended Adebayo for his patriotism and commitment to national unity, recognizing him as one of the few politicians whose thinking goes beyond regional boundaries. Dalhatu affirmed that the ACF was established to protect the interests of the North within the framework of a united Nigeria, stating, “We are first and foremost Nigerians before being Northerners.”
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