The 2027 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has stated that “the North has the people, the land and the resources to prosper.” 

According to Prince Adebayo, “what is needed is leadership that can harness these enormous potentials for the benefit of the people,”

Identifying corruption as the bane of Nigeria’s development and major cause of insecurity, Adebayo warned that meaningful effort in tackling insecurity and poverty would remain elusive without transparency, accountability and integrity in public service.

At the Arewa awareness summit themed: “Unity Against Insecurity in Kaduna State”, Adebayo said effective leadership and responsible governance were essential to addressing the country’s security and socio-economic challenges.

“Corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s progress. No policy or institutional reform will succeed unless it is anchored on transparency, accountability and integrity in public service,” he said.

The SDP presidential candidate urged leaders and stakeholders to move beyond identifying the causes of insecurity by implementing practical and sustainable solutions.

“We have analysed the problems long enough. It is now time to move from diagnosis to action by implementing practical and sustainable solutions,” he said.

Adebayo also called for greater investment in agriculture, describing the sector as a major source of employment, wealth creation and food security capable of transforming the economy of Northern Nigeria.

“Agriculture remains the quickest path to creating jobs, ensuring food security and building wealth across Northern Nigeria,” he added.

On education, he expressed concern over the growing number of out-of-school children in the region and called for increased investment in quality education.

“We cannot build a prosperous nation while millions of children remain out of school. Education is the foundation of security, productivity and national development,” he said.

The SDP flag bearer further urged Nigerians to use the democratic process to elect competent, accountable and compassionate leaders.

“Democracy gives citizens the opportunity to choose leaders who understand their needs. We must elect people of competence, compassion and integrity,” Adebayo said.

He maintained that the security and development challenges facing Northern Nigeria are national issues requiring collective action and encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope.

“Nigeria’s challenges are not beyond us. With unity, visionary leadership and active citizen participation, we can build a safer, more prosperous nation,” he said.

The Arewa Awareness Summit brought together traditional rulers, academics, political leaders, professionals and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting unity and addressing insecurity across Northern Nigeria.