By Peter Adelowo
Leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has endorsed the Social Democratic Party (SDP), describing it as the political platform best positioned to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, economic hardship and democratic challenges.
Speaking at an SDP event in Bauchi State, Olaitan said Nigeria was passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history, marked by rising insecurity, deepening poverty and growing threats to democratic governance.
He lamented that millions of Nigerians now live in fear due to persistent banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and communal conflicts that have disrupted farming activities and livelihoods across the country.
According to him, the soaring cost of living has placed basic necessities beyond the reach of many households, while unemployment continues to deny young people meaningful opportunities.
Olaitan attributed the hardship confronting Nigerians to policy choices that prioritise market forces and elite interests above the welfare of ordinary citizens.
He also accused the ruling government of weakening opposition politics and undermining Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system.
The Afenifere leader stressed that democracy can only thrive when different political parties and viewpoints are allowed to operate freely without intimidation or suppression.
“The coming election is not about ethnicity, religion or regional interests. It is about the choice between continued hardship under the current political order and a new direction that places the welfare of Nigerians at the centre of governance,” he said.
Olaitan called for a fundamental shift toward social democratic principles that prioritise job creation, agricultural development, industrial growth, affordable education, healthcare, housing and social protection.
He maintained that the SDP possesses the ideology, leadership capacity and national structure required to restore economic stability, strengthen democratic institutions and promote inclusive development.
The Afenifere leader urged party members and supporters to remain united and committed to the ideals of social democracy, stressing the need for leaders who place national interest above personal ambition.
He expressed confidence that with purposeful leadership and people-focused policies, Nigeria could overcome its present challenges and build a more equitable and democratic society.
Also speaking, public affairs analyst, Mr. Olusegun Babalola, called for the integration of Nigeria’s cultural values into governance and economic planning as a strategy for strengthening institutions and promoting sustainable development.
Babalola argued that Section 21 of the 1999 Constitution remains largely underutilised despite its provision for the protection and promotion of cultural values that enhance human dignity and support national development.
He noted that countries such as China, India, Japan, South Korea and Singapore have successfully combined cultural heritage with modern governance systems to drive economic growth and social progress.
The analyst urged policymakers to give greater attention to the principles contained in Chapter II of the Constitution, saying stronger alignment between constitutional ideals, cultural values and development policies would enhance accountability, social cohesion and national progress.
