***Calls for a People’s Revolution, Not Just an Election
***Says, Nigeria doesn’t need opposition but a rescue mission
In a conversation that moved from the personal to the political, Prince Adewole Adebayo, former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has confirmed he will be on the ballot again in 2027, but with a bold warning: don’t expect politics as usual.
“I’ll contest again,” Adebayo stated calmly. “It’s not about a thirst for power — it’s about rescuing Nigeria, and that won’t happen through recycled leaders or those driven by vengeance.”
Speaking at his wife’s birthday celebration which he called his “greatest personal achievement” — Adebayo turned reflective before turning resolute. “She taught me from being a boy to a man,” he said, “and that sense of responsibility is what I carry into my politics.”
But Adebayo quickly shifted from the personal to the national crisis.
“What shocks me is not Tinubu’s performance — we saw it coming. What shocks me is that Nigerians are shocked,” he said.
“These people take elections seriously, not governance. And that is why we are suffering today. Governance should begin with security, then welfare, then justice and development. We have none.”
In scathing remarks about the current administration, Adebayo accused the president and his security team of “performing incompetence at national scale,” urging Tinubu to “come home and govern seriously.”
On Insecurity:
“I don’t like politicizing insecurity,” he said. “But when the government’s failure becomes the weapon of terrorists, silence is no longer golden. We’re seeing lives lost because there’s no seriousness in Abuja.”
On Rivers State Crisis:
Adebayo refused to side with either Governor Fubara or Minister Wike in the ongoing Rivers State political turmoil. “Everyone is talking from the side of power. I speak for the people. This chaos is the result of a stolen mandate. It was never a government of the people — it was a conspiracy that collapsed. What we need now is people’s governance restored. If not, let’s hold fresh, credible elections.”
While confirming his 2027 ambition, Adebayo was skeptical about ongoing political coalitions declaring that SDP won’t be anyone’s getaway car. “If you are forming a coalition to avenge a broken promise from Tinubu, don’t bring that drama to SDP. But if you are fighting for Nigerians truly our doors are open.”
He emphasized that SDP is not a shelter for rejected politicians but a platform for a true people’s government. “All Nigerians are welcome. But come to implement our manifesto, not to borrow our party to fight personal vendettas.”
Adebayo didn’t mince words about Nigeria’s political culture. “Every president since 1999 has ignored Chapter 2 of the Constitution — the part that puts the people first. I’m not anti-Tinubu. I’m anti-bad governance. Tinubu just happens to be the current mascot.”
“Don’t hope for the opposition. Hope for yourselves. If Nigerians don’t become the opposition themselves, they’ll keep being betrayed by politicians on both sides.”
Adebayo’s stance is gaining traction among party leaders and supporters who are frustrated with the state of the nation.
Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Lagos State and Chairman of Chairmen, SDP Nigeria, Hon. Femi Olaniye Ferrari, called on citizens to abandon the political status quo and embrace a new direction.
Speaking on the state of the nation, Ferrari didn’t mince words: “The change that was promised has unfortunately Short-changed us. Instead of progress, we’ve experienced setbacks. The economy is in a dire state and nothing to write home about.”
With rising inflation, widespread insecurity, and a disillusioned populace, he said now is the time for Nigerians — from youth and professionals to market women to rally around a party that has been quietly rebuilding itself for years: the SDP.
Ferrari positioned the SDP as a disciplined and prepared movement, not just a political party. “One of the causes of xenophobia in South Africa was poor national preparedness, but we are not making that mistake. We’ve put systems in place — every new member must register at their ward level so we can properly organize and monitor this surge of interest.”
In a time when political consistency is rare, Ferrari’s message strikes at the heart of the national mood. He presented the SDP not just as an alternative, but as a ready alternative. “We’ve seen what the so-called political gladiators have brought to Nigeria — economic ruin and insecurity. We’re ready to do better.”
The SDP Chairman in Ogun State, Otunba Dr. Yinka Ola-Williams,
echoed the sentiment, slamming the ruling parties for plunging the nation into crisis.
“The major political parties have failed Nigerians,” he said. “Hospitals are collapsing, schools are in decline, and basic welfare is a dream. Since the return to democracy, things have only worsened. It’s time to stop going in circles.”
He called on Nigerians to remember the legacy of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, under whose vision the SDP was once a beacon of hope. “Abiola had a clear, people-focused plan for Nigeria. They didn’t let him fulfill it. But now, we have a second chance to pursue that vision.”
Okunlade Michael, another SDP stalwarts pointed to everyday struggles as proof that change is long overdue. “Last year, I traveled from Ibadan to Abuja by air. This year, I couldn’t even afford the road trip comfortably. Prices are out of control. You don’t need a news anchor to tell you things are worse — you can feel it.”
Challenging accusations that the SDP is merely making noise, Michael defended the party’s credibility: “This isn’t about bragging. Our candidate didn’t jump ship after the elections. He stayed with the SDP and kept preaching the same message. That’s consistency. That’s leadership.”
The SDP leadership insisted their party stands apart by making political participation more accessible. “In SDP, you don’t need millions to contest. If you’re credible and believe in our ideology, you’ll get a platform,” said Ola-Williams. “That’s how we will truly reform the system — by opening the door to capable but overlooked Nigerians.”
As Nigeria’s economic hardship continues to bite and disillusionment with traditional parties grows, the SDP is betting on consistency, legacy, and a growing wave of frustration to chart a new course — with Adebayo once again leading the charge.
