Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has emerged as a leading voice against efforts to deregister political parties, warning that such a move could undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations and weaken political pluralism.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his X handle, Adebayo condemned attempts to remove legally registered political parties from the nation’s electoral landscape, describing the development as a direct threat to constitutional democracy and the rights of citizens to freely associate and participate in governance.
The former presidential candidate argued that democracy thrives on competition, diversity of ideas and the existence of multiple political platforms through which citizens can pursue their aspirations.
According to him, any attempt to reduce political participation through judicial or administrative actions runs contrary to the spirit of the Constitution and the sacrifices made by generations of Nigerians who fought for democratic rule.
Adebayo expressed concern that the proposed deregistration move surfaced shortly after the country commemorated Democracy Day, a period when political leaders renewed commitments to democratic values, inclusion and popular participation.
He maintained that while the SDP is not among the parties affected by the development, democratic principles demand solidarity with those whose existence is being threatened.
“The survival of democracy depends on the protection of every lawful political platform. Once the rights of one party are endangered, the rights of all parties become vulnerable,” he stated.
Adebayo specifically identified the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action People’s Party (APP), Accord Party (AP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) as parties deserving support in their pursuit of justice and continued participation in the democratic process.
He argued that Nigeria’s ethnic, religious, cultural and ideological diversity makes a vibrant multiparty system not only desirable but necessary for national stability and development.
The SDP chieftain pledged to stand with the affected parties and assist in all lawful efforts aimed at challenging the proposed deregistration, insisting that no democratic institution should be used to silence legitimate political voices.
Beyond opposing the move, Adebayo called for comprehensive electoral reforms that would strengthen political freedoms and reduce institutional control over party formation and participation.
He proposed constitutional amendments that would remove the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register or deregister political parties, allowing the commission to focus exclusively on organizing free, fair and credible elections.
Warning against policies capable of heightening political tension, Adebayo urged national leaders to concentrate on improving governance, tackling insecurity, revitalizing the economy and strengthening democratic institutions.
He stressed that Nigeria’s progress would be better served by expanding political participation rather than restricting it.
Reaffirming his commitment to democratic justice, Adebayo vowed to join every legitimate constitutional effort to protect the country’s multiparty system, insisting that democracy must remain open, competitive and inclusive.
“For democracy to flourish, every lawful political voice must be heard. Nigeria becomes stronger when citizens have more choices, not fewer,” he declared.
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