The leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has strongly dismissed claims that the party has become a haven for disgruntled politicians seeking refuge. In his response, Adebayo emphasized that the SDP remains a movement primarily driven by young people and women who are passionate about bringing real change to Nigeria, not a platform for political opportunists.
Speaking in a recent interview, Adebayo addressed the growing rumors suggesting that the SDP had become the new political home for those displaced by internal party struggles or disillusioned with the political system. He rejected these insinuations, clarifying that the party’s core values are grounded in addressing the needs of the poor and disenfranchised Nigerians.
Adebayo made it clear that the SDP was not a political party that caters to elite interests or seeks to accommodate individuals driven solely by personal ambition. According to him, the party is a vehicle for real societal change, one that focuses on the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.
“It is normal for people who are dissatisfied with the state of affairs to seek out alternatives. This is why people are coming to the SDP. But I want to stress that the first group of people who are dissatisfied are the poor masses,” he said.
He pointed out that the governance issues in Nigeria, such as hunger, unemployment, insecurity, and rising costs, affect the ordinary citizens the most, rather than the elite. Therefore, the SDP’s focus is to address these problems and give Nigerians a platform to make their voices heard.
“We cannot stop people from joining the party,” Adebayo continued. “A political party is a public institution, just like a church or a mosque. When someone enters a mosque to pray, you do not ask them where they were the night before. Similarly, we do not scrutinize people’s motives for joining our party. Everyone is welcome to contribute to the movement.”
This analogy of a mosque or church was meant to underscore the inclusivity and openness of the SDP, stressing that the party is not a private club, but a space for all who believe in its mission.
While Adebayo made it clear that the SDP would not turn away anyone seeking to join its ranks, he also emphasized the need for unity and discipline within the party. He said that the party was not just a political entity, but a movement that seeks to address the issues facing the country and bring about meaningful change.
He urged new entrants to the party to leave their egos, ambitions, and personal issues behind. “If you want to get rid of an incumbent, you must show more discipline than the incumbent,” Adebayo explained. “If you come in and start fighting over small matters, you are creating gaps that the ruling party will easily take advantage of.”
For Adebayo, unity and discipline are key to ensuring that the party remains focused on its mission to address the people’s needs and challenge the status quo.
“Leave your ego at the door. Leave your ambition at the door. Leave your problems at the door,” he urged party members.
He also reiterated that the SDP is well-organized and has a clear vision, built on principles of integrity and discipline. He advised anyone joining the party to adhere strictly to its guidelines and approach the task at hand with a sense of seriousness and commitment.
One of the key points Adebayo raised in his statement was the SDP’s stance on governance. He made it clear that the party does not have personal issues with President Bola Tinubu, but rather with the misgovernance that has characterized his administration. Adebayo’s comments were a clear reflection of the SDP’s focus on policy and governance, rather than engaging in personal attacks.
“We have no problem with President Tinubu as a person,” Adebayo clarified. “Our issue is with the misgovernance under his administration. If you do not govern well, you are working against the welfare and security of Nigerians. You are breaching the Constitution and violating your oath of office.”
Adebayo said that the SDP’s mission is to address the issues affecting Nigerians, and the party will continue to challenge any government that fails to prioritize the welfare of its citizens. He added that the party was committed to holding leaders accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.
“If you do not govern properly, we will tackle you on that basis,” Adebayo said, emphasizing that the SDP would not shy away from calling out bad governance.
He urged Nigerians to focus on improving governance and the political system, rather than getting caught up in personal disputes. The SDP’s focus, he said, would always be on providing solutions for the country’s problems, not on personal grudges or political rivalries.
Adebayo’s comments reflect the broader vision of the SDP as a party that seeks to bring about change in Nigeria. With a focus on the youth and women, the SDP aims to empower the next generation of leaders and give them the tools and platform to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
While the SDP’s journey may be challenging, Adebayo expressed confidence that the party would continue to gain momentum, particularly as Nigerians become increasingly dissatisfied with the status quo. He noted that political systems across the world are evolving, and he believes that Nigeria is no exception.
“The political space is evolving. Many of those who worked closely with Professor Mahmoud Yakubu at INEC in the 2023 elections are no longer there. Integrity is key, and we will continue to push for a better system,” Adebayo said.
He reiterated that the SDP is not just another political party, but a movement for the people. The party aims to offer a real alternative to the two dominant political parties in the country, with a clear focus on addressing the needs of the ordinary Nigerian.
“We are not just a party, we are a movement,” Adebayo concluded. “We stand for the people, and we will continue to fight for their rights and well-being.”
