Adebayo still SDP loyalist — Wife says

By Abubakar Yunusa

Wife of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mrs. Lilian Adebayo, has declared that her husband, Prince Adewole Adebayo, remains a staunch member of the party and has no plan whatsoever to dump it.

Mrs. Adebayo made this known while hosting the forum of SDP state chairmen in Abuja, insisting that her husband’s loyalty to the party is unshakable.

According to her, the SDP flag bearer in the 2023 general elections has been a member of the party since his teenage years and has resisted numerous temptations to cross to other platforms.

“My husband joined the SDP when he was just 19 years old, and he’s still in the same party,” she said. “He has had several opportunities to move to other parties, including the PDP, but he never did. He’s committed to the SDP and will remain so. By the grace of God, in the next election, he’ll still be with the SDP. He’s not leaving for any other party.”

Mrs. Adebayo commended the SDP leadership for managing its internal affairs peacefully, unlike some parties that are often torn apart by infighting.

“Every party has its challenges,” she noted, “but the SDP handles its issues amicably. You don’t hear about the kind of rancour and divisions that rock other parties. Whenever issues arise, they’re resolved quickly and peacefully.”

On her husband’s chances ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the lawyer’s wife expressed strong optimism, describing him as youthful, intelligent, and capable of delivering good governance.

“If Nigerians are honest with themselves, my husband stands a great chance. We’ve had presidents come and go without real change. Nigerians must now decide whether to continue like that or to choose someone young and ready to work,” she said.

Mrs. Adebayo also called for more women in politics, stressing that women bring compassion and balance to leadership.

“Women should be given more opportunities in governance. Men hardly give women enough space, but if they want this country to progress, they must allow women to lead. Women are kind-hearted and lead with empathy,” she added.

She dismissed the notion that women do not support one another in politics, insisting that men often instigate divisions among them.

“I don’t believe women don’t support themselves. Men sometimes create divisions among women. Personally, I always support women. I was so happy when I saw the only female chairman among the others — I gave her a big hug. If she contests for any position, I’ll support her,” she said.