Adewole Adebayo, presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 elections, has firmly ruled out any chance of stepping aside for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking candidly during an interview on Channels TV Wednesday night, Adebayo addressed swirling rumors suggesting that Atiku might be eyeing the SDP as a potential platform for his next presidential run.
“Let me be clear,” Adebayo said, “I will not step down for Atiku Abubakar—and to be fair, he hasn’t asked anyone to.”
Adebayo emphasized that while the SDP welcomes new members—including prominent politicians—no one will get a free pass.
“If anyone wants to contest on our platform, they must believe in our values and follow due process. The SDP is not a political spare tire,” he said.
He added that the party isn’t a personal vehicle for any individual, no matter how influential: “The SDP is not a party to be ‘used’ by anyone, not me, not Atiku. It belongs to the Nigerian people.”
Adebayo’s remarks make it clear: the 2027 race is already heating up, and the SDP intends to stand firm on its principles.
