Resign if you can’t secure Nigerians, SDP presidential candidate tells Tinubu

Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo has directly challenged President Bola Tinubu, stating that he should resign if he cannot fulfill his constitutional duty to protect Nigerians. Adebayo's strong remarks came during a visit to Ibadan, Oyo State, to express solidarity with the state government and its people following recent bandit invasions of three schools.

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The reason why we came here is to give solidarity to the people of Oyo, Government of Oyo State, and to sympathise with the communities. What Oyo State is going through today is what many states are going through.

Adebayo accused the Federal Government of failing in its primary responsibility to safeguard lives and property, describing the situation in Oyo as a symptom of a broader national security crisis. "The reason why we came here is to give solidarity to the people of Oyo, Government of Oyo State, and to sympathise with the communities. What Oyo State is going through today is what many states are going through," Adebayo stated.

He criticized President Tinubu's administration for its handling of security, suggesting that heavy security votes are being misused for political destabilization rather than strengthening the armed forces. Adebayo emphasized that insecurity has permeated regions previously considered safe, impacting the nation's ability to run its economy and provide jobs. "You cannot run an economy, you cannot provide jobs, yet you cannot secure lives. What is the use?" he questioned.

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You cannot run an economy, you cannot provide jobs, yet you cannot secure lives. What is the use?

The SDP candidate reiterated his earlier stance, urging the President to either decisively tackle terrorism or step down. "I told Tinubu sometime last year that you have to use your gun to kill the terrorists or use a pen to resign. If you can’t do it, quit the job. Other people will do it," Adebayo said. He lamented the deteriorating security environment, noting attacks on both civilians and military personnel, and stressed that the Nigerian people must recognize the gravity of the situation.

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I told Tinubu sometime last year that you have to use your gun to kill the terrorists or use a pen to resign. If you can’t do it, quit the job. Other people will do it.