Number of APC governors doesn’t reflect true public support, says Adebayo
By Henry Nnaemeka
A chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s opposition space is shrinking ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the true strength of democracy lies with the electorate, not the number of incumbents in office.
Speaking in an interview, Adebayo argued that the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should not be mistaken for political strength. According to him, democracy is ultimately defined by public sentiment, not by how many governors or lawmakers a party controls.
“What matters is whether Nigerians feel better about governance and leadership, not how many governors or senators a party has,” he said, adding that by that measure, the current administration is “in serious trouble.”
Adebayo downplayed ongoing defections and political realignments involving opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing them as distractions from substantive political engagement. He maintained that the SDP remains committed to its ideological foundation, distancing itself from what he described as the “politics of incumbency” and opportunistic alliances.
“If all 36 governors move to one party, it is not my concern. What matters is leadership quality and whether Nigeria’s problems are being solved,” he said.
He further argued that major parties, including the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), share similar histories and governance failures, describing them as part of a “relay of inefficiency.”
The SDP leader stressed the need to shift from personality-driven politics to issue-based engagement, particularly on critical challenges such as insecurity, poverty and governance. He criticised what he called hypocrisy among political elites—especially those who held power for years without implementing reforms but now present themselves as agents of change.
Adebayo also backed calls for a sweeping overhaul of the National Assembly, aligning with reform advocates pushing for a reset of the legislature. “Nigeria needs a new National Assembly with virtually no incumbent returning,” he said.
Declaring his intention to contest the presidency in 2027, Adebayo said his goal is to secure a broad-based national mandate, contrasting it with what he described as narrow electoral victories in the past. He was critical of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of weak economic management, worsening insecurity and a lack of inclusive governance.
According to him, the government’s performance will ultimately determine voter behaviour in the next election cycle. “The next president must have a deeper connection with the people and broader voter participation,” he said, adding that he aims to win with “at least 40 million votes.”
Adebayo dismissed concerns that voters are unable to distinguish between political parties, insisting that Nigerians are more focused on practical solutions than party labels. He urged political actors to prioritise policies that address everyday challenges—security, jobs, healthcare and education—rather than relying on ethnic or personality-driven campaigns.
On campaign financing, Adebayo said the SDP does not depend on “money politics,” emphasising grassroots mobilisation and small donor contributions. He reiterated the party’s commitment to credible elections, rejecting vote-buying and manipulation.
“We believe in people-driven politics. We don’t rig elections,” he said.
Looking ahead, Adebayo described the 2027 elections as a potential turning point for Nigeria, urging citizens to take an active role in shaping the country’s future.
“There is no more room for insecurity, poverty, unemployment or failing infrastructure,” he said. “Nigerians must change direction.”
