(SDP Presidential Candidate, Adebayo. Photo Credit: Sahara Reporters)
The Social Democratic Party’s presidential hopeful Adewole Adebayo says corrupt officials who steal public money deserve execution just like armed robbers.
He made the remarks in a television interview while discussing Nigeria’s security crisis and push for reform ahead of 2027.
Adebayo argued that corruption can be deadlier than armed robbery because mismanaged public funds strip thousands of people of healthcare, roads and other services.
He questioned why shooting an armed robber for killing one person should warrant death while a government official who diverts hospital funds potentially causing thousands of d£aths should escape such punishment.
His justice principle is simple: anyone who willingly takes human life does not deserve their own.
He extended this logic to terrorism, insurgency, kidn@pping and b@nditry, all crimes involving deliberate k!lling.
The judiciary must still ensure fairness and prevent wrongful conviction, he added.
On insecurity, Adebayo called it a “government programme,” blaming political interference and corruption within law enforcement.
He said Nigeria’s security forces have capacity but cannot act freely because they must follow orders from above.
If leadership itself is criminal, the entire system becomes criminalised, he argued.
He said true security reform requires honest leadership at the top.
If government ordered police to arrest all criminals, security reports would reveal links between crime and people close to politicians, he suggested.
Adebayo supports state police, saying every level of government capable of passing laws should also have policing power.
If states can run courts and sentence people to d£ath, he asked, why cannot they run police forces.
He also urged people to avoid public service unless committed to strict ethical codes.
Those taking government jobs and stealing public money, he said, would face public execution.
