Prince Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 elections, has criticized the 2025 budget proposals presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as riddled with contradictions and unrealistic expectations.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Adebayo questioned the credibility of the budget, particularly pointing out the unrealistic exchange rates set within the proposals.
He argued that the government’s targets, such as a 15% inflation rate, are incompatible with basic economic principles.
Adebayo stressed that double-digit inflation should never be the goal for any responsible government.
On the topic of electoral integrity, Adebayo discussed the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), suggesting that political parties, not just INEC, were to blame for many of the issues during elections.
He criticized party leaders for manipulating delegate lists and engaging in bribery during primaries, while acknowledging that INEC should maintain professionalism to avoid collaboration with corrupt political practices.
Adebayo also weighed in on the ongoing debate about rotational presidency, advocating for a dual-level approach to ensure true progress.
He argued that while rotating the presidency based on geopolitical zones could promote peace among elites, it would be more beneficial to rotate leadership from older, entrenched elites to younger, more forward-thinking generations.
He also emphasized the need for a shift from policies aligned with international financial institutions to those that prioritize indigenous, pro-Nigeria ideas for the country’s growth and development.
