Adebayo urges good governance in Nigerian politics, saying politics must serve citizens, not personal or transactional interests
Prince Adewole Adebayo, a former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, on Tuesday in Osun State, Nigeria, called for a renewed focus on good governance in Nigerian politics, insisting that public service, not personal gain, remains the true purpose of political leadership.
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Prince Adewole Adebayo spoke at a high-level meeting involving Afenifere, the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and other regional stakeholders, where national unity and governance reform dominated discussions.
The SDP former presidential flagbearer stated that Nigeria was originally established as a negotiated federation by leaders from all regions during the Lancaster House constitutional talks, which he said laid the foundation for cooperation among the North, East, West and South.
He noted that early political parties were structured around national development ideals anchored on fairness and inclusivity, but argued that military intervention disrupted that democratic foundation and reshaped political behaviour over time.
“What we have practiced since then are politics influenced by military rule or post-military habits,” he said.
Prince Adewole Adebayo stressed that good governance in Nigerian politics must be restored as the central goal of leadership, warning against what he described as transactional politics driven by personal enrichment.
He said governance should focus on delivering “the greatest good for the greatest number of Nigerians,” adding that the current political culture has strayed far from that principle.
The SDP politician further stated that politics must not become a platform for selfish ambition or financial exploitation, but a system designed to serve citizens effectively and fairly.
“So we are amalgamating all of that together to remind Nigerians that governance, good governance, is the reason for politics,” he said.
“Politics is not for the selfish interests of leaders, and it’s not for transactional politicians who are coming to invest their money like a casino and rip in abundance for themselves. It is for the people of Nigeria.”
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His remarks add to ongoing national conversations about political reform, accountability, and the need for stronger democratic values across governance structures.
