Nigeria’s political elite must rebuild trust to regain citizens’ respect, says Adewole Adebayo

Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has called for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s political class to restore public trust in the country’s leadership.

Speaking on Thursday at the 2024 reunion programme of past and present members of house of representatives, Adebayo said Nigerians no longer believe in their politicians, citing widespread perceptions of a lack of principles and integrity among the political elite.

This, he argued, has contributed to the country’s negative image both domestically and internationally.

Adebayo urged lawmakers—both former and current—to take collective responsibility in addressing the country’s challenges.

He called for a reformation of the political class, saying that if politicians are respected and trusted by the people, Nigeria would earn respect on the global stage.

“Let us be honest with ourselves, where are we today? How far have we travelled? We should be honest and agree that we are nowhere near where we are supposed to be. I believe that is why this gathering is now called upon to continue the dialogue,” he said.

“Again, truth be told, we must rehabilitate the political class so that the people of Nigeria can believe in their leaders.

“When you go somewhere and say, I am a politician, people should be happy to talk to you. They should respect what they do, and respect what they say either as an individual or as a government.

“If this happens, our country will be respected outside Nigeria. But today it is a contrast. Do we expect people who are suffering, people who are hungry, and people who can not afford to earn a living to respect what the political class is saying?

“What Nigerians are saying is that politicians have no principles, politicians are not good, forgetting that there is no country that is capable and successful that does not have a well-respected political class.

“In a country with a high unemployment rate, every citizen sees politics as a career business for self-serving and not for public service.”

He further emphasised the need for strong institutions to anchor the country’s progress, including robust security, a fair judiciary, and an efficient civil service.