Adebayo Slams Tinubu Administration as “Absent-Minded Government” Amid Escalating Insecurity

Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has blamed Nigeria’s worsening insecurity on what he describes as the Tinubu administration’s “absent-mindedness” and lack of direction.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Ihechukwu Sunday, Adebayo said the country is adrift because the government “has lost its map” and is merely reacting to crises rather than governing with a clear plan.

According to him, “There is no rational observer who can say this is where the Tinubu presidency intended to be. The government is flailing, reacting day to day, with no trajectory. Nigeria is a good country being run by a bad government.”

“Government is the first enemy of the people”

Adebayo alleged that the administration’s failure has enabled criminal networks to flourish. He argued that kidnappers’ ability to demand and move millions in ransom without consequence is proof of deep official complicity.

“A nursery school teacher cannot control 35 children easily. How then do criminals move 35 abducted people without government collaboration?” he asked. “The first enemy of the government is the government itself.”

Opposition “not making political capital,” he says

Responding to claims that the opposition is exploiting insecurity for political gain, Adebayo said the ruling party is producing “too many misfortunes” to escape criticism.

“You can’t fail in every sector — security, economy, culture, sports — and expect silence,” he said. “When everywhere is unsafe, even for those in government, what do you want people to say?”

On Trump’s criticisms: “Nigeria is not disgraced, the government is”

Adebayo disagreed with U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remark describing Nigeria as a “disgraced country,” insisting the comment was aimed at the current administration, not the nation.

“He was speaking diplomatic language. What he means is that the Tinubu government is disgraced, not Nigeria,” he said.

He also dismissed the Nigerian government’s claim that foreign interests, particularly the U.S., were fueling recent attacks, likening the excuse to “a goalkeeper complaining the striker is shooting too fast.”

“We have a failed government — that’s the only explanation”

Adebayo insisted that Nigeria is dealing with the consequences of poor leadership, not an unusually difficult security challenge.

“The scale of our problem is one percent of what Ukraine faces. Leadership determines survival. Nigeria has resources, manpower, experience and global partnerships. There is no excuse,” he said.

He argued that if the presidency finds the job too tough, resignation — not excuses — is the only honorable response.

Warns of existential threat

The SDP chieftain described the security crisis as an existential danger, accusing non-state actors of infiltrating government structures while citizens continue to show “overwhelming and undeserved patience.”

He warned that rising international discussions about possible interventions show how severely Nigeria’s stability is being viewed abroad.

On U.S. support: “Nothing new”

Adebayo dismissed recent claims that Washington has offered deeper security cooperation.

“There’s nothing new. The U.S. has always been willing to cooperate. Even our military platforms come from them or their allies,” he said, adding that the administration is only showing urgency because the “fire has now reached its doorstep.”

“Opposition is defending Nigeria, not Tinubu”

Adebayo revealed that he and other opposition figures continue to engage foreign governments to protect Nigeria’s international image.

“I’ve spoken in London, Washington, and elsewhere. I tell them: do not invade Nigeria, respect Nigeria, but understand that we currently have an amateur government,” he said.

Tinubu “not a good Commander-in-Chief”

On recent military deployments, and the president’s order withdrawing police from VIP protection duties, Adebayo said the problem remains leadership at the top.

“There is nothing wrong with the armed forces. They have the wrong commander-in-chief,” he stated. “He can improve if he wants to, but he is neglecting the mission.”

Adebayo urged President Tinubu to adopt systematic, continuous engagement with security chiefs rather than what he called “episodic, reactive measures.”