Shared ideology or Nothing: Adebayo sets conditions for any SDP coalition
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has reaffirmed that the party will not enter into any alliance with politicians who lack a clear ideology for improving the lives of Nigerians.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Ondo GRA ahead of the Prince Adewole Adebayo 2025 Christmas Marathon and Queen Lilian Adebayo Health Walk in Ondo City, Adebayo described President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a disaster that has inflicted hardship and suffering on Nigerians.
He said Nigeria needs leaders with patriotic zeal and a genuine commitment to rescuing the country, warning that removing Tinubu only to replace him with leaders who would perform worse would be counterproductive.
Adebayo criticised proponents of political alliances whom he said lack credibility, moral standing and a coherent ideology, arguing that many are merely seeking power for personal gain rather than national renewal.
He clarified that while the SDP is not opposed to coalitions in principle, it would not align with individuals of questionable character or whose records contradict the party’s values and vision.
According to him, the party is engaging in discussions but insists that any alliance must have a common purpose that meaningfully improves the lives of ordinary Nigerians. He added that dissatisfaction with Tinubu should not justify accepting politicians with similar or worse tendencies.
Adebayo warned that many opposition figures pushing for coalitions are exploiting public anger against the government without offering a genuine alternative, noting that some have histories that raise serious concerns about accountability.
He recalled previous political coalitions, arguing that past experiences showed how replacing one failed leadership with another disastrous one only deepened Nigeria’s problems, stressing the need for thorough scrutiny of coalition partners.
The SDP leader concluded that any alliance must be built on shared ideology, accountability and honesty, insisting that politicians must first acknowledge their roles in Nigeria’s current challenges, adding that it is better to remain out of power than betray Nigerians by empowering leaders who would worsen their plight.
