Use Bullets or Resign: Adebayo Challenges Tinubu on Insecurity

Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewale Adebayo, has thrown a strong challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to either use the “bullets” to defeat terrorists or the “pen” to resign from office.

Speaking at the 2025 National Electoral Reforms Summit in Abuja, Adebayo accused the Federal Government of turning Nigeria’s insecurity into a “profitable venture” instead of treating it as a national emergency.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces can protect the whole of West Africa if you allow them,” Adebayo stated. “But they can’t even protect their own barracks when politicians tie their hands.”

He alleged that members of the ruling class are benefiting financially from the prolonged insecurity, warning that the crisis will continue unless decisive action is taken.

The SDP chieftain challenged President Tinubu to act within 30 days, insisting that the security situation could be reversed “if the government truly has the will.”

On Trump’s Comments:
Adebayo also reacted to remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump on Nigeria’s security challenges.

He commended Trump for “showing genuine concern” but cautioned Nigerians against politicizing or giving religious interpretations to the comments.

“Trump seems more mindful of Nigeria’s challenges than some of our leaders,” Adebayo said. “Our government should be ashamed.”

Other Speakers at the Summit:

Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation, asserted that political reform would remain a mirage unless Nigerians change their mindset.

“If we are waiting for government to make any electoral reform, we are wasting our time,” he said. “Only by electing accountable leaders can this country move forward.”

Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education, lamented that Nigeria now operates a “courtroom democracy,” where election outcomes are decided by judges rather than voters.

Senator Shehu Sani, former Kaduna Central lawmaker, took a jab at Amaechi, accusing him of hypocrisy.

“Amaechi should not condemn a government he was part of just because he left office two years ago,” Sani retorted.

The summit witnessed a series of fiery exchanges among former government officials on the state of Nigeria’s democracy and electoral integrity.

Organized to push for comprehensive electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections, the event brought together political leaders, civil society representatives, and electoral experts to chart a path for the future of Nigeria’s democracy.