Prof Adewole Adebayo and SDP logo
After much intrigues by forces within the Social Democratic Party and outside of it, hostile to the presidential ambition of Professor Adewole Adebayo, the astute lawyer, world class economic analyst and politician finally emerged the Presidential Candidate of the party.
This much speaks to his popularity within the party anchored on solid confidence in his ability to deliver the much needed public good, and save the country from its hazardous hurtle towards a precipice.
No one with enough integrity and sincerity left can deny the fact that clearly the country is on oxygen support; and needs a surgical operation with clinical accuracy of a Swiss watch to redeem it back to stable condition.
This newspaper without any iota of doubt is of the view that among the current presidential hopefuls, Adebayo is unarguably considered as the man for the job: with clear grasp of the Nigeria’s condition, sound analysis of dysfunction in the society, and even sounder solutions to widening dysfunction in all sphere of life in the country. At many fora, Adebayo has laid bare a picture of what Nigeria is today and how to rescue it from the cliff hanger more than any aspirants to a presidential seat.
It’s gratifying to NATIONAL WAVE as it’s to many Nigerians that the SDP at the Bauchi Convention showed enough clarity and rose beyond the usual primordial sentiments and backhanded intrigues to by consensus agreed on Adebayo.
It would be recalled that the cerebral lawyer was also the party’s presidential flag bearer in 2023, the fact that there was consensus on him in 2027 is a testament to the faith and confidence the party had in him.
It would seem some powerful forces were not enamoured of his candidacy outside and within his own party but the strenuous attempt to stop him on his track collapsed like a pack of card.
Adebayo emerged as the party’s sole presidential candidate during the 2026 National Convention and Presidential Primaries, held on Saturday in Bauchi.
There was clearly talk of external hands in causing instability in the party using the former chairman but legal tussle which resulted finally favoured pro- Adebayo forces.
Delegates from all 36 states of the federation endorsed his candidacy, in a gathering that also produced new members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Professor Sadiq Gombe was also endorsed as the National Chairman of the party during the convention, marking a significant step in the SDP’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
His endorsement came after motions moved by party leaders, including state chairmen, which were overwhelmingly supported by delegates.
In his acceptance speech following his emergence, Adebayo lamented the economic hardship, insecurity, and poor leadership confronting Nigerians, warning that the country was drifting dangerously toward authoritarianism and political intolerance.
He highlighted the worsening unemployment crisis among young people, noting that graduates increasingly struggle to secure jobs while many citizens remain deprived of basic healthcare and decent living conditions.
Adebayo also criticized the indignities faced by Nigerians abroad, questioning why citizens should be treated as criminals or forced to hide in foreign countries when they have a nation of their own.
“People have told me that Nigeria is at the verge of a one-party state, but I said the real danger is that we are at the verge of one-man rule,” he said.
Also, in a post on his X handle, Adebayo said, “I am deeply honoured to have emerged as the SDP Presidential Candidate for the 2027 election at our National Convention in Bauchi.
“I joined this race because Nigeria must be rescued from hunger, homelessness, joblessness, insecurity, and leadership failure. As I said in Bauchi, ‘Nigeria is not a private company. Nigeria belongs to Nigerians.’
“This movement is not about one man. It is about restoring hope, defending democracy, and giving the Nigerian people a government that truly works in their interest.
“Together, we will move Nigeria from poverty and division to productivity, unity, and progress.”
“The future is possible, and together, we will build a New Nigeria that works for everyone,” he added.
This newspaper joins millions of voices in calling for credible, free and fair elections in 2027. A mandate that does not represent the will of the majority is a stolen one , and will not be acceptable.
While we are not campaigning for any candidate, we will not as a newspaper shy away from embarking on a surgical analysis of each candidate. The optics on Adebayo has been positive and encouraging.
We as a newspaper desire a good country one anchored on a rule of law, equity, respect for the constitution, security and a level play ground for individuals to thrive without fear.
