Opposition must unite against poverty, not just Tinubu, says SDP’s Adebayo

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has called on Nigerian opposition parties to unite to eradicate poverty and insecurity, rather than forming a coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

In a recent interview, Adebayo declared his willingness to step down for a consensus candidate, provided the alliance focuses on national welfare and not personal vendettas.

He stated that tackling economic hardship and securing the nation must be the concrete mission uniting politicians ahead of the next polls.

“Being against Tinubu is not enough. You can oppose him because you do not like him, because you are jealous of him or because he did not give you an appointment. Let us unite against insecurity and poverty. If it is simply an opposition of Tinubu haters, count me out. But if it is about eradicating poverty and insecurity, I will be part of it.”

The SDP candidate criticised the failure of the Federal Government to revive local petroleum refineries despite investments in turnaround maintenance. He alleged that there is a deliberate plot by the elite to run the facilities down and eventually sell them off cheaply.

Adebayo also described President Tinubu’s leadership style as inaccessible and lacking a fundamental sense of service to the people. He added that the administration relies on guesswork and business transactions rather than providing clear national policies derived from the Nigerian Constitution.

He warned that opposition platforms must also guard against internal sabotage, making reference to external political influences allegedly destabilising the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other rival camps.

Adebayo urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and demand a transparent electoral process. He pledged to keep a watchful eye on the Independent National Electoral Commission, stressing that a credible ballot, free from vote-buying and rigging, remains the only authentic way to install leadership capable of addressing the primary challenges of the nation.