Adebayo Warns Nigerians Against Politicians Without Fresh Ideas

Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has warned Nigerians to be wary of politicians who change parties without altering their political ideologies. He argues that only new politicians with fresh ideas can bring the desired change to the country.

In a recent interview, Adebayo discussed several issues, including the upcoming 2027 presidential elections. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of violating electoral law by conducting early campaigns, noting that, as the governing party, the APC sets the tone for others and its actions demonstrate a clear disregard for the law.

Adebayo also addressed internal disputes within opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He revealed that the ADC had approached the SDP to form an alliance, but the SDP rejected the proposal because the ADC could not answer key questions about its ideology and vision for the country. He emphasized that the SDP is a party of law and order, with functioning organs and a clear ideology, and dismissed rumors of factionalisation, stating that there are no factions—only differing tendencies among some members.

Commenting on former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai’s description of the APC as a failed and visionless administration, Adebayo agreed, saying the APC’s performance has been unsatisfactory and that a shift in political tendencies is needed to achieve real change. He stressed that new politicians with fresh ideas must prioritise the electorate’s interests, arguing that recycling old politicians will not solve the country’s problems because they are often driven by self‑interest rather than public service.

When the World Trade Organization Director‑General Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala praised President Bola Tinubu for stabilising the economy, Adebayo disagreed. He acknowledged that the economy may be stabilised but argued it remains far from corrected, and that government policies have not addressed the underlying issues facing Nigeria.

Overall, Adebayo’s comments highlight the need for a new direction in Nigerian politics—one that prioritises the people’s interests, embraces fresh ideas, and commits to good governance. As the nation prepares for the 2027 presidential elections, his words serve as a reminder to carefully consider and scrutinise political candidates and their ideologies.