SDP presidential candidate unveils jobs, healthcare, education reform agenda for 2027
By Henry Nnaemeka
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has unveiled an ambitious socio-economic recovery plan, promising sweeping reforms in employment, healthcare, education, infrastructure and industrial development.
Adebayo, who emerged as the party’s consensus presidential candidate at the SDP national convention in Bauchi at the weekend, said his administration would pursue a “people-centred government” focused on reducing poverty, restoring public confidence and rebuilding the nation’s productive capacity.
Addressing delegates and supporters shortly after his emergence, the SDP flag bearer said his administration would implement over 500 programs targeted at tackling unemployment, insecurity, poor healthcare, decaying infrastructure and economic hardship.
According to him, poverty reduction would be a major priority of an SDP-led government.
“The mandate you have given me today will be used to articulate over 500 programmes, at the end of which, within the first 18 months of our administration, poverty in Nigeria will reduce to two per cent,” he declared.
Adebayo also promised to reduce unemployment to four per cent within two years through a nationwide jobs and public works programme aimed at engaging millions of Nigerians in productive sectors of the economy.
He said the initiative would focus on infrastructure development, industrial revival, manufacturing, agriculture and support for small-scale businesses.
On education, the SDP candidate pledged free and compulsory education from elementary to tertiary level, stressing that education should guarantee employability.
“Our education will continue until you get a job. Until you get a job, you have not graduated,” he said.
He added that the education and employment programmes would be integrated to ensure a smooth transition from school to work for Nigerian youths.
In the healthcare sector, Adebayo promised universal access to affordable healthcare services through a system linked to the National Identification Number.
“Your NIN will also become your health insurance number,” he said, adding that every Nigerian would be entitled to four free medical checkups annually under the SDP healthcare plan.
The SDP candidate also pledged to revive moribund industries and public enterprises, including the Ajaokuta Steel Company, refineries, paper mills and textile factories.
According to him, restoring local industries would stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce dependence on imports.
He further promised industrial expansion across all states of the federation through the establishment and revitalisation of manufacturing, textile, cement, and carpentry hubs to strengthen local economies.
Adebayo criticised the current administration’s economic policies, alleging that savings from fuel subsidy removal had failed to improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.
He blamed worsening hardship on corruption, policy inconsistency, and weak economic management.
The SDP flag bearer also called for stronger state governments, independent legislatures, and more effective local government administration, arguing that poverty eradication and grassroots development could only succeed through functional institutions.
He maintained that the SDP was offering Nigerians a practical alternative centered on welfare, accountability, and national development ahead of the 2027 elections.
