KEY POINTS
- Adebayo denies that SDP is a refuge for disgruntled politicians.
- SDP remains focused on youth and women seeking real change.
- The party advocates for discipline and integrity in political engagement.
Prince Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 election, has firmly rejected claims that the party has become a haven for disgruntled politicians.
Speaking on March 20, 2025, Adebayo emphasized that the SDP is a movement driven by young people and women who genuinely seek to bring about real change in Nigeria.
Adebayo acknowledged that individuals dissatisfied with the political landscape may seek new platforms but stressed that the SDP is focused on addressing the issues that affect the masses, including hunger, unemployment, and insecurity.
“We cannot criticize people’s motives for joining. The SDP is a public institution, like a church or a mosque; everyone is welcome,” he said.
He likened political participation in the SDP to praying at a mosque or church, where motives are not questioned as long as the goal is sincere engagement.
The party remains focused on discipline and integrity
Adebayo emphasized the need for discipline and adherence to party rules for those seeking to join the SDP.
According to Vanguard, he warned potential members to leave their egos and personal ambitions at the door to ensure the party remains focused and united.
“If you want to get rid of an incumbent, you must have more discipline than they do,” Adebayo stated, highlighting that SDP members must not create gaps that could be exploited by the ruling party.
He also stressed that the party does not have any personal issues with President Tinubu but strongly opposes the misgovernance under his administration.
“We have no dispute with Tinubu as a person; our dispute is with the misgovernance. We will tackle it based on governance, not personal matters,” he said.
Adebayo insists the SDP stands for the people
Adebayo concluded by reiterating that the party remains committed to standing for the people, offering an alternative to what he perceives as misgovernance by the current administration.
He urged Nigerians to focus on improving the country’s governance and addressing the people’s needs rather than getting involved in petty political disputes.
