Afenifere Backs SDP, Calls For Rescue Of Nigeria’s Democracy

Leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has thrown the weight of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization behind the Social Democratic Party (SDP), describing it as the political platform best positioned to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and democratic challenges.

Speaking at an event organize by the SDP. Bauchi state, Oba Olaitan said Nigeria was facing one of the most difficult periods in its history, marked by rising insecurity, deepening poverty, unemployment, and what he described as growing threats to democratic pluralism.

The Afenifere leader lamented that many Nigerians could no longer live without fear due to persistent cases of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal conflicts, which he said had disrupted farming activities and undermined livelihoods across the country.

He also expressed concern over the nation’s economic condition, noting that the soaring cost of living had pushed basic necessities beyond the reach of many households, while millions of young people remained unemployed.

According to him, the hardship confronting Nigerians is largely the result of policy choices that prioritize market forces and elite interests above the welfare of ordinary citizens.

Oba Olaitan further accused the ruling government of undermining opposition politics and weakening the country’s multiparty democratic system, stressing that democracy can only thrive where divergent political views and parties are allowed to operate freely.

“The coming election is not about ethnicity, religion, or regional interests. It is about the choice between continued hardship under the current political order and a new direction that places the welfare of Nigerians at the centre of governance,” he said.

The Afenifere leader called for what he described as a fundamental change in governance, advocating a shift toward social democratic principles that prioritize job creation, agricultural development, industrial growth, affordable education, healthcare, housing, and social protection programmes.

He maintained that the SDP remains committed to people-oriented policies capable of restoring economic stability and strengthening democratic institutions.

Oba Olaitan said the party possesses the ideology, leadership capacity, and national structure required to confront insecurity, revive the economy, and promote inclusive development across the country.

He urged members and supporters to remain united and committed to the ideals of social democracy, emphasizing the need for leaders who would place national interest above personal ambition.

The Afenifere leader also called on Nigerians to embrace a collective vision of national renewal, where citizens from every region of the country can live in peace, security, and prosperity.

He expressed confidence that with purposeful leadership and people-focused policies, Nigeria could overcome its present challenges and build a more equitable and democratic society.