By Aaron Ossai
Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of encouraging conflict of interest in government by allegedly awarding contracts to close business associates.
Speaking during a televised interview, Adebayo claimed that such conduct would be considered an impeachable offence in countries with stronger accountability systems.
He criticised what he described as a decline in transparency and due process in public procurement under the current administration, arguing that many public officials now maintain business relationships with individuals benefiting from government contracts.
According to Adebayo, President Tinubu openly acknowledged ties with a contractor during a public event in Lagos.
“It is not me, it is Mr President Tinubu himself in Lagos, here in front of camera, who said that the businessman I’m giving this contract to is my business partner, and we are going to do a lot of business together,” Adebayo alleged.
“In another country, he would be impeached on the spot,” he added.
The SDP chieftain stressed that governance should remain separate from private business interests, insisting that the management of public funds must strictly comply with constitutional provisions.
“If you are to touch government money, which is public money, you must comply with Section 162 of the Constitution,” he said.
Adebayo further alleged that trillions of naira had been spent without adequate accountability, claiming that several government projects lacked proper oversight.
“At the end of the day, trillions have gone, none of the projects is being accounted for, and every category of revenue is being abused,” he stated.
He maintained that weak procurement practices and lack of accountability had contributed to corruption and worsening economic hardship across the country.
Adebayo said an SDP-led government in 2027 would prioritise transparency, constitutional governance and stricter accountability standards.
He also renewed criticism of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, arguing that they had weakened purchasing power and made it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to earn a decent living.
“I said President Tinubu’s policies would ruin the economy and ruin purchasing power for the people,” he said.
The former presidential candidate added that his proposed policies would focus on improving healthcare, education, public spending transparency and economic stability.
