Tinubu’s Student loan is crime – Adebayo

Fresh from securing the presidential ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo has outlined an ambitious political agenda focused on social welfare, education, economic inclusion and institutional accountability.

Speaking during an interview following his emergence as the party’s flag bearer, Adebayo said his candidacy presents Nigerians with an alternative to what he described as the governing style of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The SDP candidate dismissed concerns over internal disputes within the party, insisting that issues involving former party officials and ongoing court cases should be resolved through lawful and constitutional processes.

According to him, political considerations should never interfere with criminal investigations or judicial proceedings.

“As a lawyer, I believe the rule of law must take its course. If allegations are made, the courts should determine the facts. Politics should not be used to shield anyone from accountability,” he said.

Adebayo maintained that the SDP remains united despite recent controversies and disciplinary actions involving some party officials, stressing that internal disagreements should be addressed within the framework of the party constitution.

On the ideological direction of the SDP, the presidential candidate said the party’s focus is centred on the everyday concerns of ordinary Nigerians, including food security, healthcare, transportation, employment and education.

He described the approach as “kitchen-table politics,” arguing that governance should be measured by its impact on the daily lives of citizens rather than by political calculations.

“The issues that concern us are the issues people discuss around their dining tables every day — food, transport, jobs, education, healthcare and survival. Politics must provide solutions to these problems,” he said.

Adebayo also criticised the APC-led administration, accusing it of prioritising electoral victories over governance outcomes.

According to him, many of the country’s social and economic challenges persist because government policies are not sufficiently focused on improving the welfare of citizens.

Addressing questions on his chances against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election, Adebayo rejected suggestions that regional considerations should influence electoral choices.

He argued that Nigerians facing economic hardship are more concerned about the cost of living than the geographical origin of political candidates.

“A hungry person in the South-West remains hungry. Someone struggling with transportation costs or school fees is not thinking about regional identity. People want solutions,” he said.

The SDP candidate further alleged that opposition parties have been subjected to political infiltration by individuals working in the interest of the ruling party.

While declining to identify specific individuals, he claimed efforts were being made to weaken opposition platforms ahead of the next general election.

On education, Adebayo launched one of his strongest attacks on the current administration, describing recent policy changes aimed at widening access to higher education as a lowering of standards rather than genuine reform.

“These are not reforms; they are deformations. Education should empower people to think critically and challenge poor governance,” he said.

He also criticised the student loan programme introduced by the Federal Government, describing it as fundamentally flawed.

“Student loans are a crime against the constitution and against the people. Education should be free, compulsory and qualitative. Government should invest in education rather than burden students with debt,” Adebayo stated.

According to him, the country’s growing challenge of youth unemployment can only be addressed through a comprehensive overhaul of the education system and sustained investment in human capital development.

He argued that quality public education, skills acquisition and structured youth engagement programmes would better prepare young Nigerians for productive participation in the economy.

Adebayo’s comments come as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, with major parties positioning themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested presidential race.

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