Adebayo Calls Tinubu ‘Pharaoh’, Says SDP Can Lead Nigerians to Promised Land

Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s position on fuel subsidy, describing the Nigerian leader as a “Pharaoh” rather than a “Moses” capable of leading Nigerians to the promised land.

Adebayo made the remarks during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, reacting to Tinubu’s statement that his administration would not return to the previous fuel subsidy regime.

The SDP candidate said Tinubu’s reference to returning to Egypt did not address the concerns of his party. He argued that the government’s policies had failed to adequately address the needs of ordinary Nigerians.

“The idea of going back to Egypt is not relevant to us,” Adebayo said, adding that he did not believe Tinubu was addressing the SDP’s position because, in his view, the President had no answer to the party’s concerns.

Adebayo drew on the biblical account of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt to criticise the President’s leadership. He argued that Moses demonstrated kindness and provided for the people, while accusing Tinubu’s administration of prioritising its own interests over citizens’ welfare.

According to Adebayo, the government’s policies have not allowed Nigerians to fully realise their potential. His comments were part of a broader criticism of the administration’s handling of economic reforms, including the decision to end the petrol subsidy.

Tinubu has defended the removal of the subsidy as a necessary economic measure and has repeatedly rejected calls to return to the previous arrangement. The policy has remained a major point of political debate amid concerns about fuel costs and the wider cost of living.

Adebayo said Nigerians were seeking an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he described as a path away from the country’s promised land. He argued that the SDP offered a better option for voters seeking political and economic change.

“If you look at it at the end of the day, what Nigerians are trying to do is basically to move away from APC and go to the promised land,” he said. “I think SDP has a better chance of taking them there.” His remarks add to the political debate over fuel subsidy, economic reforms and the direction of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.