I want presidency to tackle Nigeria’s national problems — Adebayo

Says competence, patriotism, public service should matter over wealth

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA: Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has said his ambition to become President is driven by the need to tackle Nigeria’s major national challenges, particularly insecurity and poverty.

Adebayo said he was not seeking political office for personal wealth, recognition or career advancement, arguing that some of the country’s biggest challenges could only be effectively addressed by the Federal Government through the use of national institutions and resources.

The SDP presidential candidate said a state governor could not, on his own, reorganise the Armed Forces or coordinate security operations across different parts of the country.

He said his political ambition was therefore driven by the desire to use the powers of the presidency to address problems affecting Nigerians across the country.

Adebayo also rejected the notion that political candidates must be wealthy to successfully contest elections, stressing that competence, patriotism and commitment to public service should matter more than personal financial strength.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the SDP said he had spent the past two decades focusing on intellectual work and creating opportunities rather than accumulating personal wealth.

He, however, pledged that his political movement would not rely on criminal activities or the pursuit of money to gain political power.

Adebayo cited Section 5 of the Constitution, which vests the executive powers of the Federation in the President and makes the President the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

He said the constitutional responsibility makes the presidency the most important platform for addressing challenges that affect the entire country.