By Khalid Idris Doya Prince Adewole Adebayo has emerged as the sole presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP...
By Khalid Idris Doya
Prince Adewole Adebayo has emerged as the sole presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 general elections.
Adebayo was unanimously elected by delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the party's 2026 national convention held on Saturday at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Memorial Stadium in Bauchi.
In his acceptance speech, the Ondo-born politician said he joined the presidential race to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges, describing the nation's condition as alarming.
"Nigerians are hungry and homeless. We are jobless. We are without peace. We are without leadership," he said.
Adebayo warned against what he described as the growing concentration of power in the country, stressing that the real danger facing Nigeria is not a one-party state but "one-man rule."
"People say Nigeria is in danger of becoming a one-party state. I disagree. The real danger is one-man rule because that is where they are taking this country," he stated.
He criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming that internal democracy no longer exists within the party.
"Today, the most oppressed political party in Nigeria is the APC itself. What we are doing here today, they cannot do within their own party. They wait for one person to decide everything for everybody," he said.
Adebayo stressed the importance of political diversity, noting that Nigeria needs multiple parties with different ideas but united by loyalty to the country.
He assured party supporters that the SDP would continue to grow because its existence proves democracy is still alive in Nigeria.
The SDP candidate also accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to dominate the political space.
"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not satisfied with being the presidential candidate of the APC alone. He wants to be the presidential candidate of every political party in Nigeria," he alleged.
Adebayo declared that the SDP would contest all elective positions in the 2027 elections, including governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly seats, among others across the federation.
According to him, poverty can only be addressed through effective governance at the state and local government levels.
"Today, where are the promised jobs? Where are the benefits of the so-called fuel subsidy savings? Trillions have disappeared without accountability," he said.
He further accused the current administration of poor economic management, rising hardship, and excessive borrowing without visible development.
"This government has borrowed more money than many administrations combined since independence, yet contractors remain unpaid, infrastructure remains abandoned, and nobody can clearly explain where the money has gone," he added.
Adebayo cautioned Nigerians against making poor electoral choices in 2027, saying the country cannot afford another failed government.
"It would be a national tragedy if, after the suffering, underperformance, corruption, and mismanagement Nigerians have endured, the next government turns out to be even worse," he warned.
He called on Nigerians to unite beyond ethnic, religious, and political differences in order to rebuild the country. "We are not united against one man. We are united for one purpose it's the rescue and rebuilding of Nigeria," he said.
The SDP presidential candidate reaffirmed the party's commitment to social welfare, justice, accountability, and national development, insisting that Nigeria’s resources must benefit the people rather than a privileged few.
"Nigeria is not a private company. Nigeria belongs to Nigerians. We must build a government that spends public money for the public good," he stated.
Adebayo promised that if elected president in 2027, he would launch a national jobs and public works programme aimed at drastically reducing unemployment within two years.
"Every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education. Every young Nigerian must have the opportunity to learn skills and prepare for a productive future," he said.
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