A chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking steps to safeguard Nigeria’s image internationally, stressing that the President is keen to avoid being compared to the ousted Venezuelan leader, Nicolás Maduro.

Adebayo made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme, monitored by Patriotic Insights News while reacting to President Tinubu’s response after the United States designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern over human rights and security issues.

According to the SDP leader, the President’s attention to national security only intensified following public pressure, particularly comments from U.S. President Donald Trump highlighting Nigeria’s security challenges.

“The President has not secured the country properly. He has not provided adequate supervision of the Armed Forces and has been largely absent in the lives of those on the frontlines,” Adebayo said. “It is only now, after the United States raised concerns and threatened intervention, that he is paying serious attention. Tinubu does not want to become another Nicolás Maduro.”

Adebayo also described the federal government’s overall response to insecurity as belated and inadequate, noting that Nigerians have continued to bear the brunt of kidnappings, banditry, and insurgency, while the Presidency appeared indifferent until international scrutiny forced action.

The SDP chieftain’s comments come at a time of heightened political debate in Nigeria, with the U.S. designation drawing attention to governance and human rights practices under the Tinubu administration.

Observers say that the President’s recent moves, including visits to security agencies and engagements with foreign diplomats, signal a renewed focus on addressing Nigeria’s internal security challenges and restoring confidence among global partners.