In another country Tinubu would have been impeached, says Adebayo
By Henry Nnaemeka
Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of promoting conflict of interest in government, alleging that the President publicly acknowledged awarding contracts to business associates.
Adebayo said such conduct would amount to an impeachable offence in more accountable democracies.
Speaking during a televised interview, the SDP flagbearer criticised what he described as the erosion of transparency and accountability in public procurement under the current administration.
According to him, one of Nigeria’s major governance challenges is the growing overlap between public office and private business interests, with political office holders allegedly acting as both regulators and beneficiaries of government contracts.
“It is not me saying it. President Tinubu himself publicly stated in Lagos that the businessman receiving the contract is his business partner and that they would continue to do business together,” Adebayo alleged.
“In another country, such a statement could lead to impeachment immediately,” he added.
The former presidential candidate argued that governance must remain clearly separated from private commercial interests, insisting that public funds should only be managed in strict compliance with constitutional provisions and due process.
“If you are handling government money, which belongs to the public, you must comply with Section 162 of the Constitution,” he said.
Adebayo further alleged that trillions of naira had been spent by the current administration without adequate accountability.
“At the end of the day, trillions have been spent, many projects are not properly accounted for, and virtually every category of revenue is being abused,” he claimed.
The SDP chieftain maintained that the alleged abuse of procurement procedures reflected a broader governance failure that had deepened corruption, weakened institutions and worsened economic hardship across the country.
He said an SDP-led administration would enforce stricter standards of accountability and prevent public officials from using government positions to advance private business interests.
“We will depart completely from that culture,” he said, referring to the alleged practice of government officials awarding contracts to associates and business partners.
Adebayo also renewed his criticism of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, insisting that he warned Nigerians during the 2023 elections that the government’s approach would weaken purchasing power and deepen hardship.
“I said President Tinubu’s policies would damage the economy and destroy the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians,” he stated.
According to him, worsening inflation and rising living costs had made it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to survive on legitimate earnings.
“No matter how much your organisation pays you today in Nigeria, it has become difficult to earn an honest living,” he said.
The SDP presidential candidate said his administration would focus on constitutional governance, transparent public spending, healthcare, education, economic productivity, and policies aimed at restoring stability and improving citizens’ welfare.
