The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has identified corruption as a major factor behind Nigeria's persistent insecurity and economic hardship, saying the country cannot effectively address its challenges without transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service.

Adebayo made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking at the Arewa Awareness Summit on Unity Against Insecurity in Kaduna State, where he called on political leaders to adopt responsible governance and implement practical solutions to the nation's socio-economic and security problems.

His views were contained in a statement issued by his media aide, Ade Alabi, and made available to journalists.

According to Adebayo, Nigeria's challenges are not beyond resolution if those in leadership demonstrate the commitment and political will to govern effectively.

"I have discovered that there is no problem that we have in Nigeria that good governance and leadership will not resolve in three years," he said.

He added that corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to the country's development, stressing that no policy or institutional reform can succeed without being built on the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service.

The SDP presidential candidate also highlighted the vast human and natural resources available in Northern Nigeria, arguing that the region's growing population should be viewed as a valuable asset rather than a burden.

"The North has the people, the land and the resources to prosper. What is needed is leadership that can harness these enormous potentials for the benefit of the people," he said.

Adebayo urged government officials and other stakeholders to move beyond identifying the causes of insecurity and focus instead on implementing practical, sustainable solutions that will improve the lives of citizens.

He also advocated increased investment in agriculture, describing the sector as a key driver of employment, food security, and wealth creation, particularly across Northern Nigeria.

On education, Adebayo expressed concern over the large number of out-of-school children in the region, warning that meaningful and sustainable development would remain difficult without greater investment in quality education.

"We cannot build a prosperous nation while millions of children remain out of school. Education is the foundation of security, productivity and national development," he said.

The Arewa Awareness Summit attracted traditional rulers, academics, political leaders, professionals, and other stakeholders, who gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening unity and addressing insecurity across Northern Nigeria.