Adebayo Announces 2027 Presidential Run, Criticizes Tinubu’s Governance

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has officially announced his intention to run for the presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections. He expressed his belief that the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu has failed Nigerians in “every aspect of governance.” During an interview with ARISE News, Adebayo indicated that he has informed his party of his decision and is actively working to enhance the SDP’s presence ahead of the next general elections.

“I’ve informed my party that I’m running again, and everyone in my party knows that I’m running again,” Adebayo stated. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the party by attracting new members and addressing challenges associated with integrating individuals from various political backgrounds. “Our goal is to ensure the party does not disappoint Nigerians,” he added.

Adebayo pointed out that he remains one of the few contenders from the 2023 presidential race still committed to his political platform. He noted that many candidates, including those who finished second and third in the last election, have abandoned their parties. “After every election, most candidates leave their parties. Among those who ran last time, probably only President Tinubu and I have remained in our parties,” he remarked. He affirmed that the SDP is growing stronger, with an intact executive and increasing membership.

In addressing the recent departure of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Adebayo confirmed that El-Rufai is no longer affiliated with the SDP. “Despite my best hopes, his relationship with the party has come to an end,” he explained. He further noted that El-Rufai’s absence does not hinder the party’s progress, expressing a desire for more individuals with his work ethic.

Turning his focus to his vision for the 2027 election, Adebayo highlighted the importance of aligning governance with the Constitution and the foundational goals of the Nigerian Republic. “My duty is to stand with the people and remind those in government that they are failing,” he asserted. He criticized the Tinubu administration for neglecting critical sectors, including security, education, justice, and poverty alleviation.

“I thought they would recognise that the country needs security and ensure safety across Nigeria, but they haven’t done much,” Adebayo said, citing the emergence of new terror groups, rising community tensions in the Middle Belt, and the ongoing threat from Boko Haram. He expressed dismay at the government’s ineffectiveness in addressing these pressing issues, stating, “Today, you’re more likely to see officials taking selfies with terrorists than fighting them.”

On economic matters, Adebayo criticized the government’s approach to poverty and development. “A hungry man who is hungry at 2 p.m. should not remain hungry by the end of the day if you have a working government,” he argued. He expressed frustration with the administration’s inability to fulfill immediate promises while making grander commitments for the future.

Adebayo also scrutinized the government’s student loan policy, arguing that inadequate infrastructure and frequent strikes undermine its effectiveness. “What’s the point of a student loan if lecturers are on strike and roads to the universities are bad?” he questioned, adding that the rising costs of tuition and living expenses have made his own scholarship program significantly more expensive, now costing ₦400 million more.

In relation to the recent presidential pardons, Adebayo labeled them as “a fiasco,” emphasizing that clemency should reflect thoughtful decision-making rather than an endorsement of criminal behavior. “You can’t claim you lack funds to grant mercy correctly,” he stated, criticizing the administration for prioritizing political maneuvering over effective governance.

Adebayo urged Nigerians to reject any attempts to re-elect the Tinubu administration, warning that a second term would exacerbate the country’s challenges. “Every Nigerian who loves this country should want President Tinubu to be a one-term president,” he declared. He explained that allowing continued failure could lead to a prolonged national crisis.

Addressing concerns regarding disunity among opposition parties, Adebayo suggested that media interpretations often exaggerate internal reform processes within political organizations. “When parties reform and correct internal issues, the media call it a crisis,” he explained. He reaffirmed the SDP’s unity and ideological grounding, stating, “I’ve been in the SDP since 1991, when I was 19 years old. I’m not going anywhere. I will lead this party to victory on behalf of the Nigerian people.”

As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, Adebayo’s announcement sets the stage for a competitive electoral process leading up to the 2027 presidential elections.