‘Tinubu Does Not Have To Win 2027 Election’ – Adebayo

Social Democratic Party (SDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has stated that Nigeria should be the ultimate winner in the 2027 election.

Naija News reports that Adebayo, during an Iftar gathering attended by SDP leaders and other opposition figures in Abuja on Thursday, said neither he nor President Bola Tinubu have to necessarily win the election.

According to Adebayo, the 2027 general election should record one of the highest voter participation rates in Nigeria’s history, given the critical state of the nation.

He argued that the country’s constitution obliges leaders to encourage citizens to participate actively in the democratic process.

He said, “The president has a duty, just as I have a duty, to ensure Nigerians are motivated to vote and participate in the democratic process.

“I will plead with President Tinubu: he doesn’t have to win the election, just as I don’t have to win. The only entity that must win is Nigeria.”

Speaking further, Adebayo expressed concern over Tinubu’s comment during an Iftar hosted at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, saying political leaders must remember that ultimate power rests with God.

According to him, the position presented to the president by the delegation of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) reflects the SDP’s stance and his own.

Adebayo disagreed with the suggestion that Nigerians could choose whether or not to participate in elections.

He cautioned against any mindset in which those in power attempt to manipulate electoral laws or processes to favour themselves simply because they hold a majority.

Adebayo urged the president to reflect during the holy month of Ramadan and ensure that Nigerians ultimately determine the winner of the next election.