By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
Prior to President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming first anniversary in office on May 29, 2024, Prince Adewole Adebayo, a prominent businessman and former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general election, has shared his insights on the state of democracy in Nigeria.Adebayo contended that Nigeria has yet to achieve genuine democracy, characterizing the current state as one of “civil rule.”He drew a parallel to a student embarking on the path to medical school by completing prerequisite pre-med courses.”In my assessment of our democracy, it appears that true democracy remains elusive. What we are witnessing are endeavors toward democracy. Hence, we find ourselves akin to an individual aspiring to study medicine, diligently navigating through pre-med coursework,” Adebayo articulated. “It’s reminiscent of the era when A-levels or higher school were prerequisites. One had to complete HSC1 and HSC2 to gain admission into university.””Since 1999, we have operated under civilian rule, yet the threshold of democracy remains unattained as democracy is a fluid state, contingent upon specific dynamics,” he elaborated.In evaluating Tinubu’s performance in office, Adebayo expressed a tempered view, indicating that the president has remained steadfast in fulfilling his campaign pledges, including the elimination of fuel subsidies.”I stand among the minority of Nigerians who harbor neither disappointment nor surprise. I find myself assuming the role of a physician, monitoring a diabetic patient grappling with respiratory issues, indulging in copious sugar intake and chain-smoking,” Adebayo remarked. “Thus, witnessing the continued vitality of this patient after three years elicits a sense of pleasant astonishment. Any minor ailment would not catch me off guard.”Adebayo acknowledged the public outcry over the economic climate but defended Tinubu’s decisions, asserting that the president had foreseen the challenges and ramifications of his actions.”He executes these decisions as if following a meticulously crafted playbook, thereby precluding any sense of disillusionment on my part. Tinubu is a man of his word, adhering faithfully to his commitments. There exists no disparity between his pledges and his actions upon assuming office,” Adebayo affirmed.
