Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has stated that the party will not be used by disgruntled political actors, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, as a platform to fight personal battles against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at the 50th birthday celebration of his wife, Queen Lillian Adebayo, in Abuja, Adebayo distanced the SDP from any emerging coalition lacking a people-first agenda.
“The SDP is not a getaway car for a conspiracy and robbery,” Adebayo said.
“If the coalition is for the Nigerian people, we are available. But if it’s a crime centre for disappointed Tinubu followers, they should go back to him and resolve their issues. Don’t come to SDP to borrow us for a fight we are not part of.”
Reaffirming his intention to run again in 2027, Adebayo emphasized that the SDP remains open to partnerships that prioritize national progress, not political vendettas.
El-Rufai, a key figure in the founding of the APC, has faced speculation about his involvement in opposition alliances following his exit from the ruling party. His rumored alignment with emerging coalitions has drawn criticism from other opposition figures.
Omoyele Sowore, former AAC presidential candidate, also condemned coalitions involving ex-APC members.
“I support coalitions and opposition, but not one that includes people like El-Rufai,” Sowore said.
“These are the same individuals from Buhari’s cabinet. When they get what they want, they’ll return to where they came from. They should be forming a union of prisoners, not a coalition.”
On national issues, Adebayo called on President Tinubu to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture amid worsening violence in Benue, Plateau, and other states.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Femi Olaniyi Ferrari, SDP Lagos Chairman and Chair of the Forum of SDP State Chairmen, reiterated the party’s commitment to offering Nigerians a credible and visionary alternative.
“We asked for change, but the change has shortchanged us,” Ferrari said.
