Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has expressed his willingness to step aside for a more qualified candidate in the 2027 presidential race, should one emerge to better represent the party.
Adebayo, a seasoned lawyer, made the revelation on Sunday during Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political program aired on Channels Television. He stated, “Everyone knows I have an ambition, and I’m working towards it. But ultimately, God is the author of tomorrow. We don’t know what the future holds or who will be around in 2027.
“It is my prayer that if someone God deems more capable than me comes forward to address Nigeria’s challenges, I would not stand in their way. Our goal is to build a country that works, and that’s what we’re focused on now.”
The politician also assured that the SDP will present a credible candidate capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu’s hold on the presidency in the next election. He emphasized that the party will reject the divisive use of religion and ethnicity in politics, which has often polarized Nigerian elections.
“What was once an easy conversation—religion and ethnicity—has become increasingly explosive,” Adebayo explained. “So, we won’t use the SDP platform to divide Nigerians along these lines. Our goal is to offer Nigerians a real opportunity, so that when we make our choice, the country will feel a sense of hope and relief.”
On the issue of new members joining the SDP, Adebayo made it clear that while the party welcomes them, it will ensure they adhere to the party’s values and avoid bringing negative influences from their previous political affiliations.
“If you want to join the SDP, we will ensure that you are ‘disinfected’—not out of disrespect, but because you are coming from a highly infected zone,” he said. “Just as we did during COVID, when you visit a friend’s house and they disinfect you to protect others, we will do the same with order. Our party’s constitution and guidelines are well-sanitized.”
He further stated that the SDP is committed to ensuring that its processes remain free from corruption, bribery, and ethnic or religious bias.
Adebayo pointed to several prominent politicians who have left their former parties due to perceived injustice, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who claimed unfair treatment within the APC, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who accused his party of betrayal.
“Many of those joining us are driven by a sense of injustice in their former parties. Peter Obi left the PDP citing criminality and injustice. El-Rufai has openly spoken about being denied a position in the APC, and Atiku has grievances over lack of support within his party,” Adebayo said.
He concluded, “We sympathize with those who are joining us, but our mission is clear: this party is not about politicians; it’s about the Nigerian people. Our registration process is grassroots-based, at the ward level, and every member must read and abide by the party’s constitution.”
