The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo, has ruled out any coalition with the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the party will not compromise its standards by accommodating politicians with questionable records.
Adebayo disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, where he confirmed that key figures within the ADC had approached the SDP for a political alliance aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The former presidential candidate, however, said the SDP rejected the overtures, stressing that its principles of accountability, ethical leadership, and social democracy were non-negotiable.
According to him, the party was established to offer Nigerians a credible alternative and not to serve as a platform for “recycling politicians associated with past governance failures.”
“We cannot compromise our platform by harbouring individuals whose previous leadership records have been problematic,” Adebayo said.
“Those who have failed Nigerians in the past cannot be part of the future we are trying to build.”
The proposed coalition under the ADC has attracted notable opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, in what has been described as a “third force” to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
However, the coalition has been plagued by internal crises, including leadership disputes and legal battles that have reportedly weakened its structure.
Adebayo said the SDP would not be distracted by such developments, noting that its focus remained on addressing governance failures in security, the economy, and social welfare.
“While others are preoccupied with political alignments and internal wrangling, our focus is on practical solutions to Nigeria’s problems,” he said.
He alleged that attempts by the ruling APC to destabilise opposition parties existed but maintained that such pressures would not derail the SDP’s mission.
“Politics comes with challenges, including interference, but our goal is bigger than inter-party struggles. Nigerians expect solutions, not excuses,” he added.
On security, Adebayo criticised what he described as inadequate leadership response to recent attacks in Plateau State, where dozens were killed in violence in Jos North.
Without directly naming the President, he faulted the handling of a recent visit to the state, saying true leadership required direct engagement with affected communities rather than “ceremonial appearances.”
“It is not enough to visit an airport and leave. Leadership demands presence, empathy, and action,” he said.
Adebayo, who said he had been on the ground in Plateau engaging victims and security agencies, stressed that the SDP’s intervention was driven by humanitarian concerns rather than political gain.
“Security is about protecting lives through proactive measures, not issuing statements after the fact,” he said.
Reiterating the party’s ideological stance, Adebayo maintained that the SDP would continue to prioritise credible Nigerians with proven integrity over political heavyweights.
“We are reserving our platform for fresh leaders with clean records who are patriotic and committed to good governance,” he said.
He also cited growing support for the party from various groups, including the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, as a sign of increasing public confidence in the SDP’s vision.
Adebayo added that the party remained committed to building a movement anchored on transparency, accountability, and policies that directly impact citizens’ welfare.
“We must give Nigerians a clean platform where people of integrity can emerge and serve. That is the only way to change the trajectory of this country,” he stated.
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