The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo, has described the administration of Bola Tinubu as a “historic disaster,” insisting that Nigeria needs a clean political break ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview on a wide range of national issues, Adebayo said he is ready to lead the country and believes Nigerians must take responsibility for changing their government through the ballot.
“If you ask me whether I am ready to take over from President Bola Tinubu and govern the country better, I would say yes, even today,” he said, adding that his mission in politics is not to remain in opposition but to form the next government.
Adebayo also weighed in on the controversy surrounding the Electoral Act and the threat by the Inter-Party Advisory Council to boycott elections if the law is not amended.
According to him, electoral reforms are essential to restore credibility to Nigeria’s democratic process.
“The right decision is to have a good Electoral Act that encourages people to vote and deepens democracy,” he said.
While acknowledging that boycotting elections is a drastic step, the SDP chieftain said political parties have the right to protest if electoral rules are unfair.
He, however, urged parties to continue preparing for elections while pressing for necessary reforms.
On opposition alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, Adebayo rejected calls for a broad coalition aimed solely at defeating Tinubu, arguing that many political figures in opposition today share similar records with the current administration.
He criticised politicians such as Abubakar Malami, Nasir El-Rufai and David Mark, who are linked with the African Democratic Congress, saying aligning with them would contradict his stance against corruption and poor governance.
“If I work with them as presently constituted, then I am a hypocrite,” Adebayo said, insisting that Nigeria needs a new political culture driven by credible and accountable leaders.
He maintained that the SDP remains committed to building a grassroots political movement capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
Adebayo also expressed optimism that ordinary Nigerians will ultimately determine the outcome of the next election.
“The 2027 election will be an election of the people. Once Nigerians are ready, they can defeat any force,” he said.
The SDP candidate further accused the Tinubu administration of weakening democratic institutions and worsening Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges, insisting that only a complete overhaul of the current political order can restore accountability and national progress.