Adebayo Distances SDP from Opposition Coalition Talks Ahead of 2027

A former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has distanced the party from ongoing opposition coalition discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adebayo said the party does not believe that elite political alliances are the solution to defeating the ruling party, stressing the need to mobilise disengaged Nigerian voters.

In a statement issued by his media team, he argued that many coalition efforts lack credibility, discipline, and shared values.

“Strategic partners in an election are not necessarily politicians. The real partners are segments of society, those who have not been participating in the process,” he said.

He identified voter apathy as a major concern, noting that a significant number of registered voters did not participate in the last general election.

According to him, any meaningful political alliance should focus on engaging this inactive population rather than negotiating power-sharing arrangements among political elites.

“If you want to have a coalition, you must find where the 80 per cent who didn’t show up are and address why they stayed away,” he added.

Adebayo also expressed scepticism about ongoing coalition efforts, warning that alliances with individuals lacking accountability could erode public trust.

He disclosed that while the SDP has held talks with some political parties, several discussions stalled due to internal crises within those platforms.

He said the party is instead pursuing what he described as a “civic coalition” involving grassroots groups, professional bodies, and ordinary citizens.

“Our kind of coalition is when civic groups and ordinary Nigerians begin to show interest,” he said.

Adebayo added that formal political alliances may only become viable after party primaries, maintaining that the SDP’s focus goes beyond winning elections to ensuring governance rooted in accountability and principles.