…Tinubu not invincible, can be defeated in 2027 -Amaechi
By Editor
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has asked President Bola Tinubu to either use the machinery of government to flush out terrorists in the county or to immediately resign honorably.
He stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025 themed: ‘Critical Constitutional Amendments for Credible Election in 2027″, organised by National Consultative Front (NCFront)/Labour and Civil Society Front (LCSF) in collaboration with Movement for Credible Election (MCE).
His comment was coming on the heels of United States President Donald Trump threatening to order the Pentagon carry out military strikes against terrorists location carrying out alleged genocide against Christians in the country.
Adebayo said genocide in the country is real because the government neglected its core responsibility of securing the lives of the people as resources for such is embezzled for personal use.
“Let’s put fire to the feet of our government to protect us. Let us be grateful to international community, talking about and if we as I prefer decided to solve the problem at home Muslims, Christians whatever we must come together.
“We can not deny that certain communities in the country is genocide it is subjected. I donated money to rebuild up to 50 churches. I have comforted over a thousand death. So it is not today that Trump told me that people are feeling genocide.
“I have met with also leaders of certain ethnic groups in certain places. I’ve heard Fulanis telling me that in certain communities, the other groups want to kill them and they are running after their cattle, they are trying to kill them.
“So in Nigeria, the question of whether there is genocide or not, it’s not a debate that the government can be discussing.
“If your people are losing their lives in dozens, you already failed the primary assignment of governance, and we should not waste our time debating the issue.
“The solution to that problem is that President Tinubu can use the bullet to kill the terrorists, or use the pen to resign,” Adebayo said
He urged Nigerians to be grateful to the international community for its concern, even referencing U.S President Donald Trump’s recent comments on Nigeria’s insecurity.
He said, “I thank Mr. Trump for showing interest in Nigeria at all. Speaking squarely, he can ignore us. We are not that relevant to them,” he said. “But we must not turn Trump’s interest into a Christian-Muslim debate. Anyone who wants to help must help every Nigerian.
“Trump will not come if, Mr. President, what I mentioned, you could say, in the next 30 days, nobody will die. It will take America up to 60 days to put its command everywhere together. In that short period, you can restore order in the country if you want to.”
Earlier Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Muhammed Jamo Yusuf noted the need to address voter apathy, logistical failures, judicial overreach, and the influence of money and godfathers in the electoral process.
Citing his experience in Kano State, Governor Yusuf noted the unprecedented youth participation in the last election cycle, as well as challenges such as delays in results transmission and allegations of coalition irregularities.
He urged all Nigerians to come together with open minds, honest hearts, and strong determination to revitalize Nigeria’s electoral system.
He also congratulated the organizers of the summit and expressed hope that their discussions would lead to positive change for the nation.
On his part, a university Don and political analyst, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu stressed the importance of respecting national interests and understanding the complex dynamics at play in global politics.
“It is crucial to focus on solutions and cooperation rather than being swayed by sensationalist narratives.
“The need for tangible actions and investments in addressing the various challenges facing Nigeria, such as insurgency and security threats can not be over emphasized. The role of media in shaping perceptions and informing the public underscored the need for informed and strategic approaches to addressing critical issues,” Prof. Ikechukwu said.
…Tinubu not invincible, can be defeated in 2027 -Amaechi
Also speaking at the event, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, urged opposition parties to mobilise citizens ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that President Bola Tinubu is not politically invincible and can be defeated.
The former Rivers State Governor warned against political apathy and the decline of civic pressure groups in Nigeria.
He said that election outcomes are not predetermined if Nigerians turn out in large numbers to vote.
“When you say the president is invincible, he is not invincible. I’ve worked with him and I know him. When you say the results are already written, they are happy to spread that narrative so people won’t come out.
“If you come out en masse, nobody will write any results. Nobody will take away the result sheets. Anyone who tries it will only be creating problems for himself,” Amaechi said.
While saying that meaningful reform would not come from the government unless citizens demand it, he said that pro-democracy participation should be citizen-driven.
He said that groups like the Nigeria Labour Congress, Academic Staff Union of Universities, and National Association of Nigerian Students can no longer be relied upon for national mobilisation.
He said, “Don’t wait for the NLC. There is no NLC. There is also no ASUU or NANS anymore. If you are waiting for the government to initiate any reform, you are wasting your time.
“Before the election, there must be resistance to those who do not want a credible process,.”
Amaechi lamenting the worsening economic hardship, said widespread hunger has become undeniable regardless of social status.
“The other day, I said Nigerians are hungry. If they are not hungry, I’m hungry. But whether I’m hungry or not, are Nigerians not hungry?” Amaechi said.
On her part, former Minister of Education Dr. Oby Ezekwesili stressed the limitations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in prosecuting electoral offenses.
According to her, INEC currently depends on the police and the attorney general for enforcement, which has contributed to repeated electoral violations.
Ezekwesili called for the establishment of a dedicated prosecutorial unit within INEC and stressed the need for technological and procedural improvements.
She listed the improvement to include mandatory electronic transmission of results to reduce opportunities for manipulation during collation.
Also is expanded timelines for voter registration, candidate nomination, and election preparations to improve accessibility and efficiency among others.
