The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo, has sharply criticised the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a “historic disaster” and insisting that Nigeria needs a complete political reset ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview following the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission of dates for the 2027 elections, Adebayo said he was fully prepared to lead the country if given the opportunity, stressing that the ultimate decision rests with the Nigerian people.
According to him, the readiness of the opposition is not the major issue, but whether citizens are willing to demand change through the ballot box.
“If you ask me whether I am ready to take over from President Bola Tinubu and govern the country better, I would say yes, even today,” Adebayo said. “You can drive me to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa now and ask me to take over, and you will see better results immediately.”
The SDP chieftain argued that the role of the opposition is not merely to criticise the government but to prepare to form the next administration. He added that his ambition is not to remain a career opposition figure but to become president and commander-in-chief.
Electoral Act Debate and IPAC Threat
Adebayo also weighed in on the recent threat by the Inter-Party Advisory Council to boycott future elections if the Electoral Act is not urgently amended.
He said the demand for reforms is justified, stressing that Nigeria needs an electoral framework that encourages voter participation and strengthens democratic credibility.
“The right decision is to have a good Electoral Act that encourages people to vote and deepens democracy,” he said, adding that the current law does not reflect the wishes of Nigerians.
While acknowledging that a boycott is a drastic measure, Adebayo said political parties have the right to reject an electoral process they believe is fundamentally unfair. However, he advised parties to continue organising and preparing politically while pressing for reforms.
According to him, the ultimate solution to a flawed law is to replace lawmakers who enacted it.
Opposition Alliances
The SDP candidate also dismissed suggestions that opposition parties must unite at all costs to defeat Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.
He expressed strong reservations about aligning with some prominent figures now associated with the African Democratic Congress, including former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El‑Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark.
According to him, many of those calling themselves opposition today were previously part of governments responsible for the problems facing Nigeria.
“If your aim is simply to remove Tinubu without caring who replaces him, then that approach may work,” he said. “But Nigerians are tired of bad governance.”
Adebayo insisted that his opposition to Tinubu is based on governance principles rather than personal animosity.
Criticism of Tinubu’s Leadership
The SDP leader further accused Tinubu of weakening democratic institutions and disregarding constitutional limits.
He described the current administration as the worst since Nigeria’s return to democracy, alleging that governance under Tinubu has been marked by poor accountability and declining public welfare.
“There are three reasons he is the worst president,” Adebayo said. “He is presiding over the most damaging impact of bad governance, and he is doing it in a way that personnalises the country around himself.”
Despite his criticisms, Adebayo said he has no personal quarrel with the president but strongly disagrees with the direction of his government.
2027 and the Role of the People
Looking ahead to the next election cycle, Adebayo said the SDP is focusing on mobilising ordinary Nigerians rather than relying solely on elite political structures.
He argued that the 2027 elections would likely be driven by grassroots participation rather than traditional political alliances.
“Our focus is on the Nigerian people,” he said. “Once the people are ready, we will defeat any political force.”
He also emphasised the need for massive voter turnout to guarantee credible elections, urging Nigerians not to lose faith in the democratic process.
“The election will only be free and fair when 75 to 80 percent of voters show up,” he said. “If turnout remains low, democracy will continue to suffer.”