Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has stated that he is willing to step aside for a better candidate if one emerges for the 2027 presidential race.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, Adebayo, a lawyer, explained that while he is working toward his 2027 ambition, he would not stand in the way of someone more qualified to lead Nigeria. He said, “It is my prayer that if there is someone better than me, my ambition should not stop that person because we want a country that works.”
He emphasized that the SDP aims to present a credible candidate who can challenge President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming election, and the party will not exploit religious or ethnic divisions, which have often been a tool in Nigerian politics. He added, “What used to be an easy discussion—religion and ethnicity—has become explosive now. We will not use the SDP forum to divide Nigerians.”
Adebayo also assured that while the SDP welcomes new members, they must align with the party’s values and avoid bringing negative traits from their former political affiliations. “If you want to come to the SDP, we’ll ensure that you’re disinfected from any past negativity,” he said, stressing the importance of adhering to the party’s constitution and maintaining integrity.
He mentioned politicians like Nasir El-Rufai and Atiku Abubakar, who left their previous parties due to perceived injustice, and noted that while the SDP sympathizes with those joining, the party’s focus is on the Nigerian people, not individual politicians. He reiterated that members must respect and follow the party’s constitution.