The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the worsening security situation in the country, saying the President should resign if he cannot protect Nigerians.

Adebayo spoke with journalists on Tuesday shortly after a closed-door meeting with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Ibadan.

He said his visit was aimed at showing solidarity with the people and government of Oyo State following recent security concerns in parts of the state.

According to him, the insecurity being experienced in Oyo reflects a broader national crisis, which he blamed on what he described as the Federal Government’s failure to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

“The reason why we came here is to give solidarity to the people of Oyo State and the government of Oyo State, and to sympathise with the communities. What Oyo State is going through today is what many states are going through,” Adebayo said.

The SDP chieftain accused President Tinubu of failing in his role as Commander-in-Chief, arguing that insecurity had spread to regions previously regarded as relatively peaceful.

“And that’s because President Bola Tinubu has failed to do his job as Commander-in-Chief. If you cannot secure your state, which is the heart of Yorubaland, what is the use of being a government at all?” he said.

Adebayo further alleged that security funds were being diverted toward political activities rather than addressing insecurity across the country.

“The state government is a victim of the failure of the federal government. President Bola Tinubu is sitting on top of heavy security votes, which is used to destabilise political parties, instead of applying it for the armed forces to secure the country,” he alleged.

He warned that the country’s security challenges should no longer be treated lightly, citing killings and attacks reported in several parts of Nigeria.

“You cannot run an economy, you cannot provide jobs, yet you cannot secure lives. What is the use? Nigerian people need to understand that it’s no longer a joke,” he said.

Adebayo also called on the President to either decisively confront criminal elements or resign from office.

“I told President Tinubu sometime last year that you have to use your gun to kill the terrorists or use a pen to resign. If you can’t do it, quit the job. Other people will do it,” he stated.

He expressed concern over attacks on civilians and military personnel, describing the country’s security environment as deteriorating.

“That teacher who got beheaded, if he wanted to join the army, he would have joined the army. Now we are in a country where generals are being killed like chicken,” he said.

The SDP presidential candidate urged the President to focus on governance and national security rather than politics, while also calling for improved welfare and operational support for the armed forces.

“Leave politics aside. Focus on your job as Commander-in-Chief. Nigerian armed forces are capable of defending not only Nigeria but the entire West Africa, if only they had a Commander-in-Chief who can lead them properly,” he added.

(The PUNCH)

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