(DDM) – Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has issued a stark warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over Nigeria’s escalating insecurity.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Adebayo told the President that he must either take decisive military action against terrorists or resign from office if he cannot secure the nation.
He made the statement during a keynote address at the National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, held in Abuja, attended by politicians, security experts, and civil society representatives.
According to Adebayo, “The solution to that problem is that President Tinubu can use the bullets to kill the terrorists, or use the pen to resign.”
The former SDP presidential candidate condemned what he described as a leadership failure that has emboldened insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers across the country.
Adebayo accused government officials of mismanaging funds allocated to national security, resulting in under-equipped troops and ineffective intelligence operations.
He warned that continued inaction could erode public trust in the federal government and further destabilize Nigeria’s fragile security environment.
The address formed part of a broader discussion at the summit themed “Critical Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027”, highlighting governance, accountability, and security as key determinants of electoral credibility.
Observers note that Adebayo’s remarks reflect growing frustration among Nigerians over the frequency of terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and rural insecurity, particularly in the North-East, North-West, and parts of the South-South.
He further urged the President to adopt a clear security roadmap, combining military strength, intelligence reform, and socio-economic interventions to tackle root causes of violent extremism.
Political analysts interpret the statement as both a call for urgent action and a challenge to the credibility of the Tinubu administration, especially in light of previous criticisms from opposition parties and civil society groups.
Some security experts have cautioned that while strong rhetoric may increase pressure on the government, sustainable solutions require adequate resources, strategic planning, and community engagement.
The SDP figure also called for transparency in the deployment of security funds and greater collaboration with state governments to ensure national cohesion in fighting insurgency.
Adebayo’s remarks have already triggered widespread discussion on social media, with citizens divided between support for his tough stance and concern about the potential for inflammatory rhetoric.
Civil society groups reiterated that policy-driven solutions, not threats or ultimatums, are the most effective way to restore public confidence and protect lives.
The exchange adds to a growing national debate on the balance between military action, governance accountability, and political leadership in addressing terrorism in Nigeria.
Analysts say that the coming months will test whether the federal government can translate political directives into measurable action that improves security for all Nigerians.
