SDP’s Adewole Adebayo Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition, Dismisses Coalition Talks
Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election, has officially declared his intention to run again in 2027, reaffirming his party’s commitment to independence and strategic growth.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, Adebayo dismissed speculation about a possible coalition between the SDP and other political groups, emphasizing that the party remains focused on its agenda.
His comments come amid significant political shifts, particularly following the high-profile defection of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP. El-Rufai recently hinted at the possibility of a broader opposition coalition to challenge the APC in future elections.
However, Adebayo downplayed such discussions, stating they were happening outside the SDP’s leadership.
“As a coalition, it is not within our party; maybe people are having discussions outside, and after having their discussions, they feel like they can come to the SDP and try to work within the SDP,” he said.
He further stressed that the party remains stable and unshaken by external influences.
“We have no crisis in our party. When they were offering positions, we didn’t join them; we remained where we were. Many more will join us if you’re consistent and build your house without distractions. Our priority is ensuring that whatever is chasing people from wherever they are coming from does not affect our party.
Adebayo also made it clear that his presidential ambition for 2027 is well understood within the SDP.
“Everybody who is coming in knows I’m going to run in 2027. Even everybody at my party knows I am going to run. There is what is called seniority,” he stated.
“When you join my party, you’re coming to learn from us the SDP way. You may have known politics elsewhere, but you’re joining as an ordinary member.”
Despite rejecting the idea of a coalition, Adebayo welcomed el-Rufai’s defection, acknowledging his experience and administrative skills.
“I recognise El-Rufai as someone who is a technocrat and an achiever when given an executive job to do. He has his own weaknesses, and it is his job to deal with them. I’m not his therapist, and I am not his mentor.”
Adebayo emphasized that his support for el-Rufai’s entry into the party is based on his effectiveness in governance, stating:
“The reason I welcomed him to my party is that I see him as a patriotic Nigerian—hardworking and effective in an era where we don’t have effective people in government.”
