Adebayo Rejects Attempts to Use SDP for Personal Political Grudge Against Tinubu

Adewole Adebayo, former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has voiced strong opposition to attempts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai to manipulate the party for personal political vendettas against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking at his wife’s 50th birthday celebration in Abuja, Adebayo condemned the unilateral approach to coalition building, stating that the SDP would not be used as a “getaway car for conspiracy and robbery.” He emphasized that the party was not a platform for personal political squabbles, underscoring its commitment to its own agenda and principles.

Meanwhile, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, criticized Atiku for initiating alliance discussions without consulting the PDP leadership. He also expressed concern over Atiku’s visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing him of engaging in political maneuvering.

Atiku, in turn, defended his actions, clarifying through his media aide, Paul Ibe, that his visit to Buhari was a post-Sallah courtesy call, not a political meeting. Ibe rebuffed George’s allegations, asserting that Buhari, now a statesman, should be accessible to all Nigerians, including Atiku.

Adebayo, however, emphasized that any potential coalition must have a clear and transparent motive. He made it clear that while SDP would consider joining a coalition that served the interests of Nigerians, it would not be used to advance the agendas of disgruntled former Tinubu supporters. Adebayo also confirmed his intention to run for the presidency in 2027, reiterating that the SDP was not interested in being a pawn in a political conflict that did not align with its goals.

Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), also weighed in, questioning the credibility of those pushing for the coalition. He pointed out that many of the individuals involved were former members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting that their motivations were insincere and driven by self-interest.

Finally, George took issue with Atiku’s failure to consult with PDP leadership, accusing him of treating the party as if it were his personal property, rather than a collective organization.