Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has renewed his call for the establishment of state police and comprehensive economic reforms, insisting that Nigeria’s security and economic challenges stem largely from poor governance rather than a lack of resources.
Speaking on national issues during a recent interview, Adebayo argued that the country’s revenue challenges have been worsened by leakages, crude oil theft and weak accountability systems.
According to him, government should focus on blocking revenue losses and improving collection mechanisms instead of imposing additional tax burdens on citizens and businesses already struggling under economic hardship.
He maintained that Nigeria generates far less revenue than it should because of inefficiencies and poor management of public resources.
Adebayo also criticised what he described as arbitrary taxation, warning that excessive tax demands discourage investment, push businesses into the informal sector and encourage corruption.
The SDP flag bearer advocated reforms that would simplify tax administration, improve compliance and reduce opportunities for extortion.
He further identified the solid minerals sector as a major source of untapped revenue, alleging that illegal mining activities continue to deprive the country of significant income.
On security, Adebayo reiterated his support for state police and community-based law enforcement, arguing that Nigeria’s highly centralised policing structure is no longer effective in addressing contemporary security challenges.
According to him, states that have the constitutional power to make laws should possess limited authority to enforce those laws through properly regulated policing structures.
He argued that policing would become more effective if security agencies operated closer to the communities they serve, allowing for faster response times, improved intelligence gathering and greater accountability.
Adebayo also called for broader reforms within the justice system, stressing that law enforcement agencies should function primarily as protectors of citizens rather than instruments of political authority.
The SDP presidential candidate maintained that rebuilding trust between security institutions and the public remains essential to addressing insecurity across the country.
He further urged political leaders to focus on addressing poverty, unemployment, infrastructure deficits and declining productivity, insisting that governance should be measured by its ability to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, sustainable development can only be achieved through accountable leadership, stronger institutions and policies designed to unlock the country’s economic potential.