Adewole Adebayo Economic Hardship Warning as SDP chieftain says rising living costs are pushing Nigerians towards desperation

Adewole Adebayo, a chieftain and presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has warned that Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions are pushing citizens towards desperation and criminal behaviour.

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Adebayo made the striking remark on Tuesday during a live appearance on Morning Show aired by Arise Television.

SDP politician criticised the current economic realities in the country, arguing that the declining standard of living is creating dangerous social consequences.

“The current living standard is training citizens to become thieves,” Adebayo said during the interview.

He also claimed that many of the economic difficulties currently facing Nigerians were issues he predicted during the 2023 presidential election campaign.

Adebayo blamed the situation on policies introduced under President Bola Tinubu, particularly following the removal of fuel subsidy shortly after the administration assumed office on May 29, 2023.

According to him, the policies weakened citizens’ purchasing power and intensified economic hardship without delivering the accountability many Nigerians expected.

“What we have today in Nigeria are people in power, not a government as contemplated by our constitution,” he stated.

The politician added that the SDP intends to focus on healthcare, education and improving citizens’ purchasing power ahead of future elections.

He further revealed that the party plans to target Nigerians who did not vote during the 2023 general election as part of its political mobilisation strategy.

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The comments have added to ongoing national debates surrounding inflation, cost of living and the impact of recent economic reforms on ordinary Nigerians.