SDP rejects ADC coalition and insists on ‘clean platform’ to challenge Tinubu

The Social Democratic Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has ruled out any coalition with the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the party will not compromise its standards by welcoming politicians with questionable records.

Adebayo disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking on Frontline, a current affairs program on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, where he confirmed that key figures within the ADC had approached the SDP for a political alliance to oust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The former presidential candidate, however, said the SDP rejected the overtures, stressing that its principles of responsibility, ethical leadership and social democracy were non-negotiable.

According to him, the party was founded to offer Nigerians a credible alternative and not to serve as a platform to “recycle politicians associated with past governance failures”.

“We cannot compromise our platform by hosting individuals whose previous leadership records have been problematic,” Adebayo said.

“Those who have failed Nigerians in the past cannot be part of the future we are trying to build.”

The proposed coalition under the ADC has attracted prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, in what has been described as a “third force” to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.

However, the coalition has been plagued by internal crises, including leadership disputes and legal battles that have reportedly weakened its structure.

Adebayo said the SDP would not be distracted by such developments, stressing that its attention remains focused on resolving governance failures in security, economy and social welfare.

“While others are concerned about political alignments and internal disputes, our focus is on practical solutions to Nigeria’s problems,” he said.

He said there were attempts by the ruling APC to destabilize opposition parties, but argued that such pressure would not derail the SDP’s mission.

“Politics brings challenges, including interference, but our goal is bigger than party fights. Nigerians expect solutions, not excuses,” he added.

On security, Adebayo criticized what he described as an inadequate response by the leadership to recent attacks in Plateau state, where dozens were killed in violence in Jos North.

Without directly naming the President, he criticized the handling of a recent visit to the state, saying true leadership requires direct engagement with affected communities rather than “ceremonial appearances.”

“It’s not enough to visit an airport and leave. Leadership requires presence, empathy and action,” he said.

Adebayo, who said he had been on the ground in Plateau to engage victims and security agencies, stressed that the SDP’s intervention was driven by humanitarian concerns rather than political gain.

“Safety means protecting lives through proactive measures, not making statements after the fact,” he said.

Reiterating the party’s ideological position, Adebayo maintained that the SDP will continue to prioritize Nigerians with credibility and proven integrity over political heavyweights.

“We are reserving our platform for new leaders with clean records, patriotic and committed to good governance,” he said.

He also cited growing support for the party from various groups, including the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, as a sign of growing public confidence in the SDP’s vision.

Adebayo added that the party remains committed to building a movement anchored in transparency, accountability and policies that directly impact the well-being of citizens.

“We must give Nigerians a clean platform where people of integrity can emerge and serve. This is the only way to change the trajectory of this country,” he said.

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