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The 2023 presidential candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has indicated that he may consider stepping aside for Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) in the upcoming 2027 general election, as efforts to establish a united opposition against President Bola Tinubu gain momentum.
However, he dismissed the idea of stepping down for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’, Adebayo mentioned that robust and sincere consultations are ongoing among prominent opposition figures who aim to rescue Nigeria from what he views as a failing administration.
He expressed admiration for Obi, stating, "I like what Obi is doing.
He is serious-minded, focused, and committed. These are not just symbolic meetings; they involve genuine discussions aimed at political transformation."
When questioned about the possibility of personally supporting Obi in a future coalition, Adebayo commented, "That will come later. But from what I see, I like what he is doing."
He criticized recent political defections and loud claims as mere distractions, emphasizing that real change would stem from strategic collaboration rather than hollow rhetoric.
Adebayo was forthright in his critique of Tinubu’s government, accusing it of squandering the initial goodwill it received.
"Nigerians have given him two years to demonstrate his worth, and he is failing. If this persists, the citizens will remove him.
He will return to where he came from," he stated. Adebayo’s statements have intensified speculation about a potential strong opposition coalition, with Obi possibly leading a revitalized effort to contest the status quo in 2027.
In response to claims that the SDP could merge into a larger alliance to counter the incumbent in 2027, Adebayo asserted that neither he nor Atiku can control the party’s direction.
He emphasized, "I will not [step down], and he [Atiku] has not suggested that anyone should step down. Neither I nor Atiku can commandeer the SDP.
The SDP is for the Nigerian people. No one can monopolize it." Adebayo noted, "Those who believe in the SDP and share its ideologies are welcome to join the party. Recognizing that the party is inclusive and democratic, they will likely want to participate and compete since you have the best chance in a system that hasn’t been compromised."
Furthermore, he remarked that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, does not have the party's mandate to engage in coalition talks with other opposition leaders.
He rejected a report claiming that el-Rufai was representing the SDP in ongoing coalition discussions, stating, "The SDP, led by Shehu Gabam and Olu Agunloye, is not involved in any coalition run by someone else.
He hasn’t tasked me with any coalition efforts on his behalf, nor has he assigned my senior associate, el-Rufai, to represent SDP in any coalition," Adebayo asserted.
