SDP’s Adewole Adebayo Challenges Tinubu To Public Debate Over Trillions Spent

SDP’s Adewole Adebayo Challenges Tinubu to Public Debate Over Trillions Spent The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party SDP, Adewole Adebayo, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to a public debate, demanding accountability over what he described as trillions of naira allocated to security, energy and economic reforms. Adebayo said Nigerians deserve a direct explanation of how the enormous resources committed to the administration’s programmes have been spent and what tangible results they have produced. The SDP presidential hopeful questioned the effectiveness of government spending on critical sectors, particularly security and energy, amid continued concerns over insecurity, living costs and access to reliable power. He argued that Nigerians should be given the opportunity to assess the government’s performance through an open discussion between the President and opposition candidates. Adebayo’s call comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties increasingly scrutinising the Tinubu administration’s record. Security remains one of the major areas of concern raised by the SDP candidate. Despite substantial government expenditure on the sector, Nigeria continues to face challenges involving terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity. Adebayo also questioned spending and reforms in the energy sector, where the government has pursued measures aimed at attracting investment and increasing oil production while addressing persistent electricity and fuel-supply challenges. The International Energy Agency recently said Nigeria could potentially double energy investment within five years, citing the country’s energy resources and ongoing reforms The Tinubu administration has implemented major economic reforms since taking office, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign-exchange system. the government has defended the reforms as necessary measures to stabilise public finances and create the conditions for long-term economic growth. Critics, however, have continued to question the immediate impact of the policies on ordinary Nigerians, particularly amid concerns over household costs and purchasing power. Adebayo, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the SDP platform, has indicated his intention to seek the presidency again in 2027. His demand for a public debate adds to the growing political contest ahead of the next presidential election, with opposition figures expected to intensify scrutiny of the incumbent administration’s record. The proposed debate would provide an opportunity for the President and opposition candidates to present their positions directly to Nigerians on security, economic management, energy, infrastructure and other national issues. Adebayo’s challenge centres on whether the huge sums committed to government programmes have translated into measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians. He is calling for the administration to account for the resources spent and explain the outcomes achieved under its reform agenda. With the 2027 election approaching, issues surrounding government expenditure, economic performance, security and the welfare of citizens are expected to remain central to the political debate.