Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has firmly ruled out stepping down for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday night, Adebayo addressed growing speculation that Atiku might use the SDP as a platform for his 2027 presidential ambition.
Clarifying the party’s stance, Adebayo emphasized that neither he nor Atiku can “use” the party, stressing that the SDP is not a personal vehicle for any politician but a platform owned by the Nigerian people.
“I will not step down for Atiku Abubakar, and he has not said that anybody should step down for him,” Adebayo said. “Neither me nor Atiku Abubakar can use the SDP. The party belongs to the Nigerian people—nobody can use it.”
He, however, welcomed interested politicians who align with the party’s ideology, noting they must follow due process if they wish to contest under the SDP.
“What can happen is that those who believe in the ideology of the party can come to the party. We are not available to be used. If you want to join us, you can join us,” he added.
This comes amid reports of a growing opposition coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the next election. Key political figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai are said to be at the forefront of the movement.
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