SDP presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo asserts that the Northern region of Nigeria has been more significantly impacted by poor governance and corruption over the decades than by insecurity or population pressures. Speaking in Abuja, Adebayo characterized the North as a largely unrealized economic powerhouse for the nation. He argues that systemic leadership failures and corrupt practices have hindered the region’s progress, outweighing the challenges posed by insecurity. Adebayo emphasized the region’s vast untapped potential, suggesting its economic fortunes are currently limited by internal factors. His statements challenge conventional narratives attributing the North’s challenges primarily to security concerns, instead focusing on governance issues. He believes addressing these internal issues is crucial for unlocking the region's economic capabilities.