The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu admitted to political leaders that he could not guarantee a free and fair election while seeking re-election in 2027.
Adebayo made the claim during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, raising fresh concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the next general elections.
According to him, the President made the remarks during an Iftar meeting in Abuja attended by members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, the ruling All Progressives Congress, and other stakeholders.
He alleged that Tinubu, when confronted by opposition leaders over contentious provisions in the amended Electoral Act, openly declared his intention to deploy the advantages of incumbency.
Adebayo quoted the President as saying he would not make the electoral process easy for opponents since he was also a contestant, adding that he had endured similar circumstances while in the opposition.
The SDP flagbearer said the opposition had used the meeting to caution the President against actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy, particularly concerns that recent amendments to the Electoral Act could weaken political competition.
He said, “The essence of the intervention was to remind the President that as head of state, he must act as a father to all and ensure fairness. But his response suggested otherwise.”
Adebayo further accused Tinubu of placing personal political ambition above constitutional responsibilities, warning that such an approach could erode public trust in the electoral system.
He stressed that an incumbent president contesting an election must draw a clear line between personal interest and official duties, especially in areas such as appointments, funding, and regulatory oversight.
“When you are both a contestant and the one overseeing the process, you must not skew institutions to your advantage. That is the essence of democracy,” he said.
The SDP candidate also criticised the National Assembly’s handling of the Electoral Act, alleging that lawmakers were being pressured into passing provisions that could undermine their own relevance and weaken democratic institutions.
Efforts to get official reactions from the President’s media aides, including Bayo Onanuga and Daniel Bwala, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The allegations come amid growing political tension and early positioning by parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, with stakeholders warning that the credibility of the process will be critical to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
‘
‘Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
Leave a comment