Student Loan Is A Crime – SDP Candidate, Adebayo

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) presidential candidate for Nigeria’s 2027 elections, condemned the Federal Government’s student loan policy as a 'crime' and unconstitutional. In an interview with Vanguard, Adebayo argued that education should be free, compulsory, and high-quality, accusing the government of weakening the education system through poor policy choices. He highlighted that current political leaders, including National Assembly members, received free education, while students face loan burdens. Adebayo stated that student loans destroy society by turning potential innovators into unemployed individuals, fueling insecurity. He claimed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) prioritizes electoral victory over addressing Nigerians’ daily struggles, including education, healthcare, and jobs. The SDP candidate promised to implement 'kitchen table politics,' focusing on the survival needs of ordinary citizens if elected. On his nomination as SDP’s consensus candidate, Adebayo described it as a new opportunity for Nigeria, emphasizing the party’s ideological stance as an alternative to the APC. He dismissed concerns about internal divisions, stating the SDP must avoid internal struggles while challenging an incumbent government. Adebayo also avoided commenting on legal disputes within the party, including the trial of its former National Chairman, asserting that the rule of law must prevail. The SDP candidate, a lawyer, stressed that the party’s unity is essential ahead of the 2027 elections. He framed the nomination as a chance to offer Nigerians a government committed to education, welfare, and accountability. Adebayo’s remarks underscore the SDP’s focus on reversing what it views as the APC’s neglect of public services and systemic failures.