The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has declared that President Bola Tinubu will not secure a second term in office, insisting that the 2027 general election must be decided by ideas, performance and the will of Nigerians rather than political alliances or manipulation.

Speaking during a televised interview following the publication of candidates’ names for the 2027 general election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Adebayo said the country’s political discourse should focus on addressing poverty, insecurity and economic challenges instead of personalities and political intrigues.

He urged political actors to dedicate the coming months to discussing practical solutions to Nigeria’s developmental problems, warning against turning the election into what he described as a “reality television show” dominated by individual ambitions.

“The next six months should be devoted to discussing how to solve Nigeria’s developmental problems. We should not turn this election into another reality television show where personalities dominate while the country’s challenges are ignored,” he said.

Adebayo also weighed in on calls by some prominent Nigerians for opposition parties to unite behind a single presidential candidate, saying his vision extends beyond an opposition coalition.

According to him, the task of rebuilding Nigeria requires the participation of all citizens, including members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The SDP flag bearer expressed confidence that President Tinubu would not return to office in 2027, arguing that growing public dissatisfaction with the current administration would shape the outcome of the election.

On the credibility of the electoral process, Adebayo renewed his criticism of the conduct of the 2023 presidential election, alleging that candidates were forced to contend with the actions of the electoral commission rather than solely competing against one another.

He said the integrity of the 2027 polls would depend on ensuring that neither INEC nor security agencies are perceived as adversaries by contestants.

“What I want in 2027 is that no candidate should be running against INEC as we were in 2023. Elections should be candidate versus candidate, not candidate versus the electoral umpire. People’s scores should reflect their efforts,” he stated.

Adebayo further identified voter apathy as the greatest threat to the success of the 2027 elections, urging Nigerians not to lose faith in the democratic process despite concerns about electoral integrity.

He maintained that citizens must reject any notion that the outcome of the election had already been determined and instead participate actively in the electoral process.

“The greatest threat to this election is apathy. If Nigerians conclude that the outcome has already been decided, democracy suffers. But if citizens come out determined to vote and defend their votes, no amount of manipulation can override the will of the people,” he said.

The former presidential candidate also dismissed speculation that he could step down in favour of a consensus opposition candidate, stressing that no individual is entitled to the presidency.

He said every qualified Nigerian has the constitutional right to seek the nation’s highest office and that only the electorate should determine who emerges victorious.

“I have no sense of entitlement. I am running because I believe Nigeria deserves competent leadership. If I become president, it must be through the freely expressed will of Nigerians—not by cheating, bribery or grabbing power. This is about Nigeria’s future and the destiny of generations yet unborn,” he said.

Adebayo also rejected reports of a leadership crisis within the SDP, describing INEC’s publication of his name and those of other candidates as a routine constitutional procedure.

According to him, the party conducted a successful national convention without controversy, while the publication of its presidential, vice-presidential, senatorial and House of Representatives candidates confirmed that its nomination process was completed without dispute.

“INEC is doing its statutory duty. It is not doing anyone a favour. Political parties elect their candidates, while INEC simply receives and publishes the names submitted to it for the Nigerian people,” he added.