…Rejects coalition pressure, demands credible election
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the
2027 election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has declared that President
Bola Tinubu would not secure a second term in office, insisting that
the 2027 general election must be fought on the basis of ideas,
performance and the will of the Nigerian people rather than political
alliances or manipulation.
Speaking during a televised interview after the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) published the names of candidates for the
2027 general election, Adebayo said Nigeria’s next election should
focus on rescuing the country from poverty, insecurity and economic
decline instead of endless discussions about personalities and
political intrigues.
He argued that the campaign season should be dominated by debates on
governance and practical solutions to Nigeria’s worsening challenges.
“The next six months should be devoted to discussing how to solve
Nigeria’s developmental problems. We should not turn this election
into another reality television show where personalities dominate
while the country’s challenges are ignored,” he said.
On calls by eminent Nigerians for opposition parties to unite behind a
single candidate, Adebayo said his vision extends beyond an opposition
coalition, maintaining that all Nigerians, including members of the
ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), must come together to rescue
the country.
He expressed confidence that President Tinubu would not return to
office in 2027, saying Nigerians are increasingly dissatisfied with
the current administration.
Addressing concerns over the credibility of the electoral process, he
renewed his criticism of the 2023 presidential election, alleging that
he was effectively contesting against the Independent National
Electoral Commission rather than his fellow candidates.
According to him, the credibility of the 2027 polls would depend on
ensuring that neither INEC nor security agencies is perceived as an
opponent by any candidate.
“What I want in 2027 is that no candidate should be running against
INEC as we did in 2023. Elections should be candidate versus
candidate, not candidate versus the electoral umpire. People’s scores
should reflect their efforts,” he said.
He also warned that voter apathy poses the greatest danger to the
success of the 2027 elections, urging Nigerians not to lose faith in
democracy.
He emphasised that while concerns over electoral integrity were
legitimate, citizens must refuse to believe that the outcome of the
election had already been predetermined.
“The greatest threat to this election is apathy. If Nigerians conclude
that the outcome has already been decided, democracy suffers. But if
citizens come out, determined to vote and defend their votes, no
amount of manipulation can override the will of the people,” he said.
He also dismissed speculation that he could step down for a consensus
opposition candidate, stressing that nobody is entitled to the
presidency.
According to him, every qualified Nigerian has the constitutional
right to seek the office, while the electorate alone should determine
who emerges victorious.
“I have no sense of entitlement. I am running because I believe
Nigeria deserves competent leadership. If I become president, it must
be through the freely expressed will of Nigerians, not by cheating,
bribery or grabbing power. This is about Nigeria’s future and the
destiny of generations yet unborn,” he said.
Adebayo also dismissed reports of a leadership crisis within the SDP,
describing the publication of his name by INEC as a routine
constitutional process.
He said the party had conducted a successful national convention
without controversy, adding that the publication of the names of its
presidential, vice-presidential, senatorial and House of
Representatives candidates confirmed that its nomination process had
been completed without dispute.
“INEC is doing its statutory duty. It is not doing anyone a favour.
Political parties elect their candidates, while INEC simply receives
and publishes the names submitted to it for the Nigerian people,” he
added.
