A former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has cautioned against the use of politics for personal enrichment, attributing Nigeria’s leadership challenges to self-serving and transactional practices among politicians.

Adebayo made the remarks during a high-level meeting in Osun State attended by leaders of Afenifere, the Northern Elders Forum, the Arewa Consultative Forum, and other national stakeholders.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Ade Alabi.

The meeting comes at a time of growing public dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s political class, amid concerns that governance is being undermined by the prioritisation of personal interests over national development.

Addressing participants, Adebayo said Nigeria’s founding leaders approached politics as a platform for service and collective progress, rather than personal gain. He noted that the country was established as a negotiated federation through cooperation among regional leaders during the Lancaster House constitutional talks.

He argued that Nigeria’s political system has since been shaped by the legacy of military rule, which he said weakened ideological politics and encouraged a culture that rewards loyalty over competence.

According to him, the Osun meeting was convened to promote a renewed national philosophy rooted in social democracy and people-oriented governance. He added that the initiative seeks to redefine the relationship between leaders and citizens to ensure that political power serves the public interest.

Adebayo stressed that the effort is not tied to any political party but aimed at restoring the core values that once defined Nigeria’s political system.

He referenced legacy political movements such as the Action Group, UPN, PRP, NEPU, UMBC, the Northern People’s Congress, and the NCNC, noting that they were founded on principles of accountability, service and national development.

He warned that unless Nigeria returns to value-based politics anchored on integrity and public service, its development goals may remain difficult to achieve.