The 2023 presidential candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has suggested the potential of stepping aside for Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) in the upcoming 2027 general election, as discussions intensify to establish a united opposition front against President Bola Tinubu.
However, he has dismissed the idea of stepping down for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. According to Adebayo, “serious, quiet and honourable” consultations are currently taking place among significant opposition figures who are committed to rescuing Nigeria from what he termed a failing government.
“I appreciate what Obi is doing. He is serious, focused, and dedicated. These are not mere photo opportunities; they are substantial, meaningful discussions aimed at political transformation,” Adebayo stated.
When asked if he would personally step aside for Obi in a future coalition, Adebayo responded: “That will be determined later. However, based on my observations, I admire his efforts.”
He characterized recent political defections and loud proclamations as mere distractions, asserting that genuine change would arise from strategic collaboration rather than empty rhetoric. Adebayo was forthright in his criticism of Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of squandering the goodwill it initially received.
“Nigerians have granted him two years to demonstrate his capabilities, and he is failing. If this trend continues, the populace will remove him from office. He will return to wherever he originated from,” he remarked.
Adebayo’s comments have intensified speculation regarding the formation of a formidable opposition coalition, with Obi potentially leading a revitalized movement to confront the existing status quo in 2027.
In response to suggestions that the SDP may be integrated into a larger coalition to contest against the current administration in 2027, Adebayo asserted that neither he nor Atiku has the authority to dictate the party’s course.
He remarked: “I will not [step down], and he [Atiku] has not indicated that anyone should step down. Neither Atiku nor I can manipulate the SDP. The SDP is owned by the Nigerian populace. It cannot be exploited by anyone.
“What can occur is that individuals who believe in the principles of the SDP and find their ideologies compatible may join the party. Recognizing that the party is inclusive and democratic, they will be inclined to participate and compete, as one has the greatest opportunity to compete in a system that has not been compromised by any individual.”
Adebayo further stated that the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, does not possess the party’s mandate to engage in coalition discussions with opposition figures. He made this statement while refuting a report that suggested el-Rufai was representing the SDP in the current coalition negotiations.
“The SDP, under the leadership of Shehu Gabam and Olu Agunloye, is not participating in any coalition led by another individual,” he asserted. “He has not tasked me with forming a coalition on his behalf, nor has he assigned any duties to my senior colleague, el-Rufai. El-Rufai is not acting as a representative of the SDP in any coalition,” Adebayo concluded.
