Ex-presidential candidate urges return to founding ideals of governance

A former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr Adewole Adebayo, has urged a return to Nigeria’s founding ideals, stressing good governance over transactional politics.

Adebayo made the call on Wednesday at a meeting in Osun with leaders of Afenifere, Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and others.

He said Nigeria was founded as a negotiated federation by leaders from all regions who secured independence during the Lancaster House constitutional talks.

He said early political parties pursued development plans rooted in equity and inclusion, but military intervention disrupted the foundation and reshaped Nigeria’s political culture.

“What we have practised since then are politics influenced by military rule or post-military habits,” he said.

Adebayo said the meeting aimed to rebuild a national philosophy anchored on social democracy and strengthen understanding of the social contract between leaders and citizens.

“We want to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of Nigerians through a government that is different from recent experiences,” he said.

He said the initiative was not about the SDP or Afenifere, but about restoring ideals that shaped Nigeria’s early political development.

He cited movements led by Obafemi Awolowo and Aminu Kano, and parties such as Action Group, Unity Party of Nigeria, People’s Redemption Party, Northern Elements Progressive Union, United Middle Belt Congress, among others.

“We are reminding Nigerians that governance; good governance is the purpose of politics, not personal gains or transactional practices,” he said.

Adebayo stressed that politics must serve the people and promote national development rather than personal enrichment.