The Adewole Adebayo has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party for the 2027 general election after party delegates adopted him by consensus at the party’s national convention in Bauchi on Saturday.
Adebayo, who flew the party’s flag in the 2023 presidential election, secured the endorsement through a consensus arrangement backed by party leaders, state chairmen and delegates who attended the convention. The gathering also produced a new leadership structure, with Sadiq Gombe endorsed as national chairman of the party.
The decision followed motions moved by senior party leaders during the convention and was ratified by delegates, a development party officials described as a move aimed at strengthening internal unity and positioning the SDP ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Speaking shortly after his adoption, Adebayo criticised the current economic situation in the country, arguing that existing government policies have worsened hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
He said many citizens work hard every day but still struggle to meet basic family needs. According to him, many parents return home unable to provide food for their children, pay school fees or secure medical treatment for sick relatives because of the pressure created by the country’s economic conditions.
Adebayo also spoke about the challenges faced by Nigerians living abroad in search of survival. He questioned why many citizens are forced to leave their homeland and live under difficult conditions in foreign countries simply to earn a living.
The former presidential candidate blamed the situation on what he described as poor leadership and warned against any political attempt to push Nigeria toward a one-party state. He urged citizens to remain committed to democratic participation and use lawful political processes to bring about change.
He also commended Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi State, for creating an atmosphere that allowed the convention to hold peacefully.
After being sworn in alongside members of the National Working Committee, Gombe said the SDP remains well positioned to provide alternative leadership for the country.
He assured Nigerians that the party would offer a credible platform for national renewal and pledged transparent, accountable and committed leadership in line with the party’s constitution and guiding principles.
Earlier, Usman Bugaje, chairman of the national convention committee, expressed concern over the state of governance in the country.
He listed insecurity, rising petrol prices, unemployment, poor infrastructure and widespread poverty among the major challenges currently facing Nigerians.
Bugaje also accused the ruling party of attempting to narrow the democratic space by weakening opposition voices and reducing political competition.
He further alleged that institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission and the judiciary were being deployed for political purposes.
Despite these concerns, Bugaje praised party members for attending the convention in large numbers, describing their turnout as a sign of commitment and determination to pursue political change.
He said the sacrifices being made by party supporters reflect a broader desire to improve the future of millions of Nigerians facing economic and social hardship.
The adoption of Adebayo and the emergence of new party leadership are expected to mark an early step in the SDP’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election as political parties gradually begin positioning ahead of the next national contest.
