Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has expressed willingness to forgo his 2027 presidential ambition if a more competent candidate emerges to lead the party.
Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television on Sunday, and duly monitored by Truth Live News, Adebayo emphasized that his ambition is secondary to Nigeria’s progress.
“It is my prayer to God that if there is a person who God thinks is better than me to fix the problem of Nigeria, my ambition should not stop that person because we want a country that works,” he stated.
Adebayo assured Nigerians that the SDP would present a strong and credible candidate capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election. He stressed that the party would not engage in divisive politics based on religion or ethnicity.
“Our goal is to ensure that when we make a choice in the SDP, Nigerians, even outside the party, will feel a sense of relief and say, ‘Finally, this platform has given the country a real chance,’” he declared.
On the growing number of people joining the SDP, Adebayo acknowledged the influx of new members but made it clear that all entrants must align with the party’s values. He warned against the importation of negative traits from other political platforms, likening the process to a sanitization exercise.
“If you want to come to the SDP, you have to allow us to apply disinfectant—not because we don’t respect you, but because you are coming from a highly infected zone,” he said, referencing COVID-era sanitization measures.
Adebayo also addressed the tendency of some politicians to switch parties due to internal disputes, citing figures such as former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. However, he reiterated that the SDP remains committed to fairness and internal discipline.
“We sympathize with everyone who is coming, but our job is to ensure that this party is not about politicians—it is about the Nigerian people. Registration is done at the ward level, and every member must read and abide by the party’s constitution,” he affirmed.
Adebayo’s remarks come at a time when opposition parties are strategizing for 2027. While some have speculated about former Governor El-Rufai’s political moves, Southwest SDP leaders have clarified that he is not in pursuit of the party’s presidential ticket.
Additionally, SDP Chairman Shehu Gabam recently asserted that the party holds no grudges against President Tinubu but remains focused on providing Nigerians with a viable alternative.
Adebayo’s stance adds to the political tension and the SDP’s commitment to strong leadership and national progress. As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, his remarks set the stage for a competitive and issue-driven political discourse.
Whether Adebayo himself will lead the charge or step aside for another candidate remains to be seen, but his emphasis on credibility and national interest signals the SDP’s intent to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.