The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the 2023 general election, Adewole Adebayo, has firmly stated that the party cannot merge with those he described as “oppressors.”
Adebayo emphasized that the party’s commitment to its founding values and mission remains unwavering, asserting that external pressures will not influence its independence.
The statement comes amid political developments, including the defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, from the All Progressives Congress to SDP, as well as claims by Jimi Lawal, a factional governorship candidate of the PDP in Ogun State during the last elections, that he paid for 30,000 membership cards in the state.
During an engagement with SDP members, Adebayo reinforced the party’s long-standing vision for Nigeria’s future, rooted in justice, progress, and the welfare of Nigerians. He pointed out that SDP had consistently championed these values since its formation in 1989. “Anybody who wants to join the SDP is welcome, but must learn our creed,” Adebayo said. “We are not just for justice, but also for progress. As white as the horse is, so is our heart. We want the Nigerian people to regain what the late Moshood Abiola promised.” He stressed that anyone wishing to join the party must be willing to make the necessary sacrifices for the country’s betterment, referencing Abiola’s commitment to alleviating poverty and promoting justice.
Adebayo also addressed speculation about a potential merger with other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. He made it clear that SDP would not compromise its values by joining forces with parties that do not share its commitment to serving the people. “We cannot be on the side of the poor and the side of big men at the same time,” he asserted. Adebayo also expressed his desire to continue leading the SDP, but noted that the decision would be left to divine providence.
Meanwhile, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido called for political unity within the Peoples Democratic Party, urging disgruntled members to return and help rebuild the country. Lamido, who spoke during a Ramadan Iftar gathering at his residence in Bamaina, Birnin Kudu Local Council, highlighted the need for reflection and reconciliation in light of Nigeria’s ongoing economic and security challenges.
Lamido criticized the ruling APC for failing to maintain the democratic stability that the PDP provided, particularly during its rule from 1999. He lamented the current state of the nation, pointing to rising poverty, insecurity, and leadership issues. He also took aim at those who left the PDP for APC in 2014, claiming they were now disillusioned with the results. “The PDP was the foundation of Nigeria’s stability from 1999. Even leaders in APC, like Bola Tinubu and Muhammadu Buhari, benefited from the structure and governance we put in place,” Lamido stated. He further challenged those who left the PDP in search of better alternatives, asking, “Are we better off today than we were under PDP?”
Lamido dismissed SDP as an emotional reaction to the political climate rather than a viable alternative, arguing that the party lacked a strong grassroots base. “SDP cannot defeat PDP or APC; it is not built for that,” he said. Lamido called for reconciliation within the PDP, encouraging former members who had joined the APC to return to their political roots. “There is no shame in coming back home. Politics should not be driven by emotion or revenge. If we truly want to fix Nigeria, we must reunite and rebuild,” he added.
