Adewale Adebayo of SDP warns Nigeria risks one-party rule, urging citizens to resist anti-democratic moves and defend political pluralism.
Adewale Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has warned that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress of stifling opposition and shrinking democratic space.
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Adebayo issued the warning on Tuesday during a visit to the SDP Secretariat in Kaduna State, calling for nationwide mobilisation to resist what he described as anti-democratic manoeuvres.
He alleged that some political actors were conspiring to concentrate power in a single dominant party, weakening competition and limiting citizen choice.
“They forgot that God created this country,” Adebayo said, emphasising that hunger, unemployment, and insecurity affect all regions, religions, and age groups.
The SDP flag-bearer further accused the APC of attempting to “destroy all opposition” ahead of the 2027 election cycle, a move he warned could destabilise Nigeria’s democratic structure if left unchecked.
Adebayo also criticised the Peoples Democratic Party, arguing that the party now faces political consequences for failing to deliver justice during its 16-year tenure in federal power.
He urged Nigerians to remain politically vigilant, warning against trusting politicians who engage the public only during election campaigns.
The politician further condemned the Federal Government for prioritising foreign figures over citizens, referencing previous public exchanges involving former US president Donald Trump.
During his Kaduna visit, Adebayo directed the state SDP chapter to intensify grassroots mobilisation and establish a permanent party secretariat ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said strong local structures are essential for the SDP to remain competitive nationally.
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He described the SDP as “one of the few remaining platforms capable of reinvigorating political pluralism and accountability in Nigeria.”
