Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has said his interest in the presidency is driven by the need to tackle Nigeria’s major national problems, especially insecurity and poverty.
Adebayo said he was not seeking political office for personal wealth, recognition or career advancement.
He argued that some of Nigeria’s biggest challenges can only be effectively addressed by the Federal Government because they require the use of national institutions and resources.
The SDP candidate said a state governor could not, on his own, reorganise the armed forces or coordinate security operations across different parts of the country.
He said his political ambition was therefore based on the desire to use the powers of the presidency to address problems affecting Nigerians across the country.
Adebayo also rejected the idea that political candidates must be wealthy before they can successfully contest elections.
He said competence, patriotism and a commitment to public service should matter more than personal financial strength.
The former presidential candidate said he had spent the past two decades focusing on intellectual work and creating opportunities rather than accumulating personal wealth.
Adebayo also pledged that his political movement would not rely on criminal activities or the pursuit of money to gain power.
He cited Section 5 of the Constitution, which vests the executive powers of the Federation in the President and makes the President the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
He said this constitutional responsibility makes the presidency the most important platform for addressing challenges that affect the entire country.