The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has urged Nigerians to put aside political, ethnic and religious differences and unite behind a credible candidate capable of unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Speaking on the nation’s political future, Adebayo said the real focus should not be on whether an opposition coalition succeeds or fails, but on ensuring that Nigeria elects a leader who is committed to constitutional democracy, accountability and the rule of law.
He argued that the country can only have one President at any given time, regardless of whether the successful candidate emerges through a coalition or from a single political party.
“What we want is for all Nigerians to unite, not only the opposition. The issue is ensuring that person is not President Tinubu,” Adebayo said.
He maintained that conversations ahead of the election should centre on the integrity, competence and vision of anyone seeking the nation’s highest office rather than political calculations and alliances.
Adebayo said Nigeria deserves a President who respects the Constitution, protects democratic institutions and listens to the concerns of citizens. He added that meaningful political change cannot be achieved by opposition parties alone, insisting that Nigerians from every background must support a credible alternative if the country is to move in a different direction.
He also dismissed suggestions that Northern Nigeria is responsible for the country’s developmental challenges. Instead, he blamed years of poor leadership, saying the region possesses enormous human and natural resources that could contribute significantly to national growth if properly managed.
The SDP flag bearer identified education, agriculture and infrastructure as critical sectors that require sustained investment across the North, stressing that competent leadership would transform the region into a stronger driver of Nigeria’s economic development.
Turning his attention to the current administration, Adebayo criticised President Tinubu’s government, accusing it of undermining constitutional governance and failing to respond effectively to concerns raised by Nigerians.
He referred to the President’s recent meeting with Catholic bishops, describing it as a missed opportunity to address important national issues. According to him, the administration adopted a defensive approach instead of engaging constructively with the concerns expressed by the religious leaders.
Adebayo urged public officials to welcome criticism and see it as an opportunity to improve governance rather than treating it as an attack. He also encouraged religious and community leaders to continue speaking out on issues such as insecurity, economic hardship and other challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.
He insisted that elected leaders should remain open to honest feedback from respected individuals and institutions, adding that constructive criticism is an essential part of every healthy democracy.
Offering his assessment of the current administration, Adebayo argued that Nigeria’s problems have gone beyond isolated policy failures. He said that, in some cases, the government’s explanations for its actions have raised even greater concerns than the issues they were meant to address.
“A failed government is one in which the explanation is worse than the problem,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to carefully evaluate the performance of the present administration and work together in support of a leadership alternative capable of restoring public confidence in government and strengthening the country’s democratic institutions.
