Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approach the 2027 presidential race with the nation's interests foremost in mind, rather than seeking re-election at all costs.
Speaking at an Iftar event in Abuja attended by SDP leaders and other opposition figures, Adebayo stressed that neither he nor the president needs to secure victory in the upcoming polls.
"The president has a duty, just as I have a duty, to ensure Nigerians are motivated to vote and participate in the democratic process," he said.
He added: “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.”Adebayo's comments came in response to recent remarks by President Tinubu during an Iftar at the Presidential Villa, where the president noted that ultimate power rests with God and that citizens could choose whether or not to participate in elections.
Adebayo countered that the Nigerian Constitution requires leaders to actively encourage citizen engagement in the democratic process.He called for the 2027 general election to achieve one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country's history, given the nation's challenging circumstances. Adebayo also warned against any attempts to manipulate electoral laws or processes to advantage those currently in power, particularly when they hold a legislative majority.
He further urged the president to use the Ramadan period for reflection and to ensure that the Nigerian people not manipulation determine the outcome of the next election. The stance aligns with positions expressed by the SDP and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
SDP National Chairman Sadiq Umar Gombe emphasized the need for the government to heed citizens' voices and enact transparent electoral laws to foster free, fair, and credible elections that lead to effective governance.
IPAC National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle similarly called on President Tinubu to pursue amendments to electoral laws that promote inclusive democracy.
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