Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo has said that 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 insisted 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 predicted that President Bola Tinubu will not secure a second term in office.
He insisted 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.
The Presidential flag bearer argued that the campaign season should be dominated by debates on governance and practical solutions to Nigeria’s worsening challenges.
According to him, “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 were increasingly dissatisfied with the current administration.
Addressing concerns over the credibility of the electoral process, the SDP flag bearer renewed his criticism of the conduct of the 2023 presidential election, alleging that he was effectively contesting against the Independent National Electoral Commission rather than fellow candidates.
According to him, the credibility of the 2027 polls will depend on ensuring that neither INEC nor security agencies are perceived as opponents by any candidate.
“What I want in 2027 is that no candidate should be running against INEC as we were in 2023. Elections should be candidate versus candidate, not candidate versus the electoral umpire. People’s scores should reflect their efforts,” he said.
Adebayo 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 said 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.
The presidential candidate 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.
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