Prince Adewole Adebayo, the leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has refuted claims that the party has become a refuge for discontented politicians seeking political survival.
He stated that the SDP remains a movement primarily driven by young people and women committed to real change in Nigeria.
Addressing concerns about defections to the party, Adebayo stated that it is natural for individuals dissatisfied with the political climate to seek alternative platforms.
However, he clarified that the primary supporters of the SDP are the underprivileged masses who bear the brunt of governance failures, including hunger, unemployment, insecurity, and rising costs of living.
While affirming that the party welcomes new members, he stressed that individuals joining must align with the party’s principles rather than pursue personal ambitions.
Adebayo noted that many individuals who worked closely with Professor Mahmood Yakubu at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2023 are no longer in office.
Reaffirming the SDP’s core values, he described the party as well-organized and disciplined, urging new entrants to set aside personal interests and abide by the party’s regulations.
“To challenge an incumbent, a party must demonstrate more discipline than the ruling government. Internal disorganization only creates opportunities for the opposition to exploit,” he cautioned.
On the current administration, Adebayo clarified that the SDP’s opposition is not personal but policy-driven.
“We have no personal dispute with President Tinubu. However, we take issue with misgovernance. Poor governance undermines the welfare and security of Nigerians and constitutes a violation of constitutional obligations. We will continue to hold leaders accountable based on their governance, not personal matters,” he stated.
The SDP, he reiterated, remains committed to its mission of championing the interests of the Nigerian people, particularly the youth and marginalized groups.