Leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has declared that Nigeria is “bleeding” under the current administration, blaming worsening insecurity, economic hardship and threats to democracy on what he described as wrong policies and poor governance.
Speaking at the 2026 National Convention and Presidential Primaries of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, Oba Olaitan said Nigerians were facing unbearable suffering due to insecurity, inflation and unemployment.
According to him, banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and communal clashes have turned many communities into fear zones, while farmers can no longer safely access their farmlands.
“Our people can no longer sleep with both eyes closed because of the unrelenting wave of insecurity,” he said.
The Afenifere leader also lamented the rising cost of living, saying prices of basic goods had gone beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians, while youths remained jobless and businesses struggled to survive.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government of weakening opposition parties and threatening Nigeria’s democracy.
“Nigerian democracy is under threat today with a government that is jittery about constructive opposition,” he stated.
Olaitan said the hardship confronting Nigerians was not an act of God but the result of “neo-liberal economic policies” that favour the elite over the masses.
He stressed that the 2027 election should not be viewed along ethnic or religious lines, but as a battle between Nigerians suffering hardship and a government that has failed to address their challenges.
“Enough is enough. Nigeria urgently needs a change of government,” he declared.
The elder statesman threw his weight behind the SDP, describing it as the political party that best represents social justice, equity and people-centred governance.
According to him, the SDP remains committed to welfarist policies that prioritise job creation, agriculture, local industries, affordable education, healthcare and support for vulnerable citizens.
“Only a welfarist approach can heal our wounds. Only SDP has the ideology, the structure and the commitment to deliver this change,” he said.
He urged delegates at the convention to elect leaders and a presidential candidate capable of rescuing Nigeria from insecurity, poverty and economic decline.
“Choose courage over comfort and service over selfishness,” Olaitan charged the delegates.
He added that Nigerians across all regions deserved to live in peace and prosperity with dignity.
