SDP’s Adebayo Criticises Tinubu: ‘A1 In Politics, F9 In Governance’.
Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has delivered a sharp critique of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, asserting that while the president excels in political strategy, his governance record is sorely lacking. In an interview with TheCable, Adebayo described Tinubu as having “A1 in politics but F9 in governance,” highlighting a stark contrast between the president’s political acumen and his administration’s failure to deliver on key public needs.
Adebayo, a prominent lawyer and SDP leader, argued that Tinubu’s strength lies in his deep understanding of Nigeria’s political landscape and his ability to navigate its complexities. “He knows the political class very well; he knows what moves and motivates them, and how to recruit, retrench, or reengage them,” Adebayo stated. However, he lamented that this political prowess has not translated into effective governance, particularly in providing basic services, economic stability, and security for Nigerians. “The problem is converting that A1 in politics into substantive legacies. That’s where he scores an F9,” he added.
The SDP chieftain expressed concern that Tinubu’s focus remains on consolidating political power rather than addressing pressing national issues. He pointed to ongoing challenges such as hunger, inadequate housing, and insufficient investment in education and healthcare as evidence of governance failures. “The rumbling in the stomachs of Nigerians drowns out the political music being played for the elite,” Adebayo remarked, urging a shift towards policies that prioritise public welfare.
Adebayo also accused the administration of “economising the truth” instead of effectively managing the economy, a critique that resonates with growing public discontent over rising economic hardship. He called for a reorientation of leadership to focus on tangible outcomes rather than political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections. “If we address whether people are hungry, housed, educated, and healthy, there will be less controversy,” he said.
The comments come amid increasing scrutiny of Tinubu’s presidency, with Adebayo’s remarks echoing sentiments shared across various platforms, including posts on social media, where Nigerians have expressed frustration over governance challenges. As the nation grapples with economic and security issues, Adebayo’s critique underscores a broader call for leadership that bridges the gap between political success and meaningful governance.
