The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 elections, Adewole Adebayo, has sounded an alarm over what he sees as a creeping authoritarianism in Nigeria, cautioning that democratic survival hinges on robust political competition and the freedom of citizens to associate.
Speaking on Saturday at the SDP national convention in Bauchi, he urged political leaders to address pressing national issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, and youth unemployment rather than focusing solely on power consolidation.
His remarks came shortly after delegates at the convention affirmed him as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 general elections via a consensus voice vote. Adebayo highlighted the deteriorating state of governance, pointing to rising poverty, insecurity, and limited economic prospects for young people, as well as the poor condition of public healthcare.
He criticized political leaders for seeking medical care abroad and investing in foreign nations while domestic institutions crumble, insisting that officials should prioritize strengthening healthcare, education, and the economy over reliance on external systems.
On security, Adebayo questioned the effectiveness of the fight against terrorism and criminality, arguing that Nigerians deserve better protection and accountability from security agencies. He warned that growing political intolerance poses a serious threat to democratic governance, noting that “democracy can only survive when different political parties are allowed to compete freely and citizens are free to associate politically.”
Adebayo also alleged that even members of the ruling All Progressives Congress are experiencing internal suppression, with key decisions concentrated in the hands of a few individuals. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the SDP National Convention Committee, Usman Bugaje, accused the ruling party of shrinking democratic space and weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, also criticizing the Independent National Electoral Commission and the judiciary for alleged political influence.
The convention, held at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Memorial Stadium in Bauchi, also elected new members of the party’s National Working Committee, including Professor Sadiq Umar Gombe as National Chairman.