Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 elections, Adewole Adebayo, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for blaming his administration’s challenges on the state of the economy he met upon assuming office. Adebayo urged Tinubu to focus on stabilizing the economy rather than lamenting inherited issues.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Adebayo argued that leaders should prepare for the realities of governance before assuming office. “When you’re elected into an office, you meet what you meet there. If you study very well before you come, you can almost predict what you’ll meet there,” he said.
Referring to Tinubu’s campaign promises, Adebayo emphasized that the president campaigned on the state of the economy he now blames for his struggles. “What they met on ground was what they used to campaign and eventually won the election in 2023. So, the level of surprise should not be that radical,” he added.
Adebayo also took aim at Tinubu’s economic policies, accusing the administration of implementing measures that have worsened inflation and increased hardship. “President Tinubu, from my assessment of him, is very sincere. However, sincerely, he is wrong in the approach he has used so far,” Adebayo remarked.
He criticized the removal of the petroleum subsidy, which he claimed was done hastily without stabilizing the economy first. “He removed the subsidy in a manner that factor costs started rising, inflation started rising, creating problems for the Central Bank to manage inflation and foreign exchange,” Adebayo explained.
Despite the removal of the subsidy, Adebayo noted that the administration has not achieved significant economic benefits. “All the money saved in the name of subsidy disappeared. He still had to borrow more. So, all the money he diverted from subsidy has not raised employment,” he said.
Adebayo also expressed frustration with the administration’s fiscal policies, arguing that the government’s actions have compounded existing problems. “Now, at the same time, he’s still running deficit anyway. The cost rippled in the larger economy, but he still hasn’t solved the major problem,” he pointed out.
On the issue of the fluctuating exchange rate, Adebayo stressed that stability is key to restoring confidence in the economy. He called for a 120-day period of consistent exchange rates to show the government’s commitment to economic stability. “I will start taking the Tinubu administration seriously when it makes the exchange rate stable for at least 120 days without fluctuating,” he stated.
Adebayo also addressed Tinubu’s fiscal reforms, stating that the intentions may be good but the execution has been flawed. “He wanted to do fiscal management and reform, which is to say, ‘I don’t like the idea that the government is spending so much money on certain things.’ But his approach has backfired,” Adebayo explained.
The SDP leader further highlighted the disconnect between the administration’s goals and its outcomes. “They should stop talking about what they met on ground. Apart from the fact that their party has been in power for nine years, it’s time for accountability,” he said.
Adebayo’s comments have drawn attention to the larger debate about governance and economic policies in Nigeria. He emphasized that leaders must take responsibility for their actions and avoid using inherited challenges as excuses for underperformance.
With Nigeria facing rising inflation, unemployment, and currency devaluation, Adebayo’s critique underscores the need for a strategic approach to economic recovery. His remarks have sparked discussions among political analysts and the public about the effectiveness of Tinubu’s policies so far.
As the administration approaches its first full year in office, calls for a more pragmatic and transparent approach to governance continue to grow. Adebayo’s insistence on accountability and economic stability reflects the broader concerns of Nigerians grappling with the effects of recent reforms.
For many Nigerians, the focus now is not on what was “met on ground” but on how the government can deliver on its promises to improve their lives. Adebayo’s words echo the frustrations of a populace eager for meaningful change.
