The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has launched a fresh attack on President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of wielding undue control over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a recent interview on Vanguard’s ‘Politics Hub’ program, Adebayo claimed that Tinubu, by virtue of his influence, could single-handedly generate votes in his favor.
Adebayo was responding to questions about the SDP’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that since the last electoral contest, his party has continued to engage with citizens across the country. He argued that Tinubu’s alleged grip on INEC makes it imperative for opposition parties to connect directly with the electorate, rather than relying solely on the electoral process.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s First Republic leaders, Adebayo stated, “We must go to the people, just as Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Nnamdi Azikiwe did. They campaigned tirelessly, often covered in dust. I am covering every corner of Nigeria because I understand the challenges. I know where the people are, and I recognize the need to meet them where they live.”
The SDP chieftain’s comments come amidst growing concerns about the integrity of the electoral body ahead of the 2027 polls. His assertion that the presidency has effectively turned INEC into a partisan tool has reignited debates on the commission’s independence.