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The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to make national security and economic recovery top priorities in 2026, amid worsening insecurity and growing economic hardship across the country.
Gabam also called on Nigerians to embrace unity and collective responsibility as the nation confronts what he described as deep-seated, multi-layered challenges.
In a New Year message titled “Building a Better Nigeria: The 2026 Vision for Collective Action,” the SDP chairman lamented the persistent security crises affecting several parts of the country, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and communal violence.
He noted that Nigeria’s education sector continues to suffer years of neglect, stressing that only strong political will and sustained investment can reverse its steady decline.
Rising insecurity, economic strain
Nigeria has in recent years witnessed escalating insecurity, with frequent attacks on rural communities, highways and schools. At the same time, the economy remains under intense pressure, characterised by soaring inflation, rising unemployment, currency depreciation and a higher cost of living following fuel subsidy removal and other fiscal reforms.
These developments, Gabam said, have worsened poverty levels and heightened public anxiety over governance and service delivery.
Against this backdrop, he emphasised the need for collective effort to steer the country out of its current difficulties.
“Collective action remains critical to overcoming our present challenges and building a future defined by hope and prosperity.
The Federal Government must make the safety of citizens a top priority by addressing the root causes of violence and instability,” he said.
Call for collaboration and vigilance
Gabam called for stronger collaboration among communities, civil society organisations and security agencies, while urging Nigerians to support security efforts through vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious activities within their neighbourhoods.
Describing education as the cornerstone of national development, he appealed to the Federal Government to increase investment in schools, teachers and students, and to implement policies that promote innovation, critical thinking and skills development.
According to him, improved infrastructure and scholarship programmes would enhance learning outcomes and empower young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Accountability, economic reforms
The SDP chairman further urged Nigerians to demand accountability and transparency from political leaders, stressing that governance must be driven by integrity, vision and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
He insisted that leaders should be held responsible for delivering tangible results that strengthen democracy and improve living standards.
On the economy, Gabam advocated policies that create jobs, stimulate growth and reduce poverty, arguing that economic recovery must translate into real improvements in citizens’ welfare. He also called for economic diversification, entrepreneurship and innovation as pathways to sustainable development, noting that policies should prioritise the well-being of Nigerians over narrow interests.
Foreign policy and national interest
On foreign policy, Gabam urged President Tinubu to pursue diplomacy that strengthens bilateral relations while safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and national interests. He said international partnerships should deliver concrete benefits for Nigerians and support the country’s development goals.
“As we usher in 2026, let us commit ourselves to building a better Nigeria. With vision and determination, the future of our country is bright because it rests in the hands of its people,” he added.
