The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has expressed his willingness to step down from his 2027 presidential ambition if a more capable candidate emerges to represent the party.
Adebayo, a legal practitioner, made this known on Sunday during Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political program aired on Channels Television.
“Everyone knows I have an aspiration, and I’m working towards it. But God is the author of tomorrow, and we don’t even know who will be around in 2027,” Adebayo said.
“It is my prayer that if there is someone God deems better equipped to fix Nigeria’s problems, my ambition should not stand in the way of that person. Our priority is to build a country that works, and that is the focus of our efforts at this time.”
SDP’s Commitment to a Credible Candidate
The politician assured that the SDP would present a strong and credible candidate capable of unseating President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election.
According to him, the party will steer clear of divisive religious and ethnic politics, which have long been a staple in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“What used to be simple discussions—religion and ethnicity—have now become highly sensitive and divisive. The SDP will not use its platform to further divide Nigerians along these lines,” he stated.
“Our goal is to ensure that when we make our choice in the SDP, even Nigerians outside the party will feel a sense of relief and say, ‘Finally, this platform has given the country a real chance.’”
Welcoming New Members with a Reform Agenda
Adebayo also emphasized that while the SDP is open to new members, it will uphold strict internal reforms to prevent the infiltration of negative political practices.
“If you want to join the SDP, you must allow us to apply some ‘disinfectant’—not out of disrespect, but because you are coming from a system plagued by deep-rooted issues,” he remarked.
“Just like during COVID-19, when you visited a friend’s house and were disinfected out of love, we will ensure that new entrants align with our party’s constitution and guidelines. Our processes must remain free from criminality, bribery, excessive financial influence, and ethnic or religious bias.”
Political Defections and the SDP’s Focus
Adebayo pointed out that many politicians who have defected from other parties cite injustice as a key reason. He referenced former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who claimed he was unfairly treated by the APC, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who accused his party of betrayal.
“Many who are joining us speak of injustice in their former parties. When Peter Obi left the PDP, he cited criminality and injustice. El-Rufai has openly expressed how the APC embarrassed him and denied him a position. Atiku, too, has grievances over how he was treated by his party,” Adebayo noted.
“While we sympathize with them, our mission is to ensure that this party remains focused on the Nigerian people, not just politicians. Registration happens at the ward level, and every member must read and abide by the party’s constitution.”
