Renowned cleric and Convener of the Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria, Prophet Isa El-Buba, has explained why he shifted his support from the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the presidential ambition of Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking at a gathering organised by the SDP in Bauchi State, El-Buba said Nigeria urgently needs a leader capable of uniting the country, restoring justice and reversing what he described as years of poor leadership and missed opportunities.
The cleric, who addressed party faithful, youth leaders and delegates, congratulated the SDP for conducting what he described as a peaceful and successful event, urging members to remain united as they work towards national transformation.
According to him, Nigeria remains richly endowed with natural and human resources but continues to suffer from insecurity, unemployment, poverty and social inequality due to leadership failures over the years.
“Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources, intelligent people and great potential, yet millions still suffer from insecurity, unemployment, poverty and injustice,” he said.
El-Buba noted that the country’s current challenges require collective action and a new political direction, stressing that citizens must come together to rewrite Nigeria’s story.
“Now is the time for Nigerians to join forces and rewrite history. The country cannot continue on the path of pain, frustration and ineffective leadership,” he stated.
The cleric also warned against any attempt to weaken political opposition and democratic plurality, insisting that the nation must avoid drifting into a one-party state.
“Nigeria cannot become a one-party state. Every society survives on justice, equity and fairness. Oppression can never guarantee stability, and peace cannot thrive where injustice prevails,” he said.
Throwing his full support behind Adebayo, El-Buba described the SDP chieftain as a leader with the vision and capacity to restore the nation’s lost values and rebuild public confidence in governance.
He announced that members of his movement would actively mobilise support for Adebayo’s presidential bid ahead of the 2027 elections.
The cleric further condemned vote-buying and political inducement, arguing that Nigerians have become more politically conscious and would no longer mortgage their future for temporary benefits.
“Nobody will buy the conscience of Nigerians with money or a bag of rice. The people are tired of the current situation and are ready to reclaim the glory of their country,” he said.
Expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, El-Buba described the emerging political movement around Adebayo as part of a broader effort to birth a new era of purposeful leadership and national renewal.
He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to the search for credible leadership capable of delivering the change the country desires.
