Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has criticized President Bola Tinubu, stating that he has failed to demonstrate bold leadership and has mismanaged key opportunities in office.
Adebayo made the remarks during an interview while addressing issues surrounding Nigeria’s electoral process and political developments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adebayo specifically faulted Tinubu’s handling of electoral reforms, accusing the president of failing to effectively utilize the opportunity to shape electoral laws. He said the president “messed up” the chance to leave a strong legacy through amendments to electoral acts.
Despite his criticism, Adebayo emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy is not dependent on any single individual. He noted that the country has maintained electoral processes through different historical periods, including colonial and military rule, suggesting that democratic structures can endure beyond current leadership challenges.
The SDP chieftain made the comments in response to questions about political party primaries, including the use of consensus arrangements and direct primaries. He indicated that while imperfections exist in the electoral system, they should not overshadow the broader resilience of democratic institutions in Nigeria.
Adebayo also addressed ongoing political realignments ahead of the next general election, firmly dismissing any possibility of his party allying with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He argued that the ADC does not represent a genuine alternative, describing it instead as closely aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, many politicians within the ADC share political roots with the APC and are motivated by personal interests rather than ideological differences. He suggested that some of them are dissatisfied due to a lack of political advantage within the current ruling structure.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the SDP, Adebayo stated that he has remained committed to the party since 1991 and has no intention of defecting. He contrasted his stance with what he described as a pattern of opportunistic party-switching among other politicians, noting that such movements are part of a political culture he does not subscribe to.
He also criticized what he called hypocrisy in reactions to political defections, pointing out that politicians often condemn defections to rival parties while celebrating similar moves when they benefit their own side. He maintained that such behavior undermines consistency in political principles.
Adebayo further questioned the value of political defections, arguing that the movement of politicians between parties does not necessarily translate into improved governance. He expressed concern over the performance of state governments, stating that issues such as insecurity, unemployment, and corruption remain widespread across the country.
He asserted that no state in Nigeria currently stands out for exemplary governance in areas such as security, employment, or accountability. According to him, this reflects a broader pattern of leadership challenges that cut across party lines.
On the question of opposition strength, Adebayo dismissed the idea that party mergers or alignments automatically create a viable alternative to the ruling party. He argued that Nigeria does not operate a parliamentary system where such arrangements define opposition status.
He further alleged that the ADC’s strategy mirrors that of the APC, particularly in its efforts to attract politicians regardless of ideological alignment. This, he said, weakens the credibility of claims that the party represents a distinct political direction.
Adebayo concluded by describing Nigeria’s major political parties as part of a continuous cycle of ineffective governance. He claimed that parties such as the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the ADC are interconnected and represent a succession of administrations that have failed to deliver meaningful progress.
His remarks come amid ongoing political maneuvering as parties and politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
