The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewale Adebayo, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to dominate Nigeria’s political landscape and weaken opposition parties ahead of future elections.
Speaking during an SDP convention at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium on Saturday in Bauchi, Adebayo alleged that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was steering the country towards what he described as “one-man rule.”
In a sarcastic remark directed at the president, Adebayo said: “Tinubu is not satisfied with being the presidential candidate of APC alone. He wants to be the presidential candidate of APC, PDP, Labour Party, SDP, NYSC and even birthday parties.”
The SDP flag bearer claimed that opposition parties were facing increasing pressure and intimidation, warning that Nigeria’s democratic space was gradually shrinking.
According to him, the country’s survival depends on sustaining a vibrant multiparty system where different political ideologies can coexist.
He also alleged interference in the affairs of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), claiming that the electoral body was under pressure in matters relating to party registration and internal leadership disputes.
“The saddest man in Nigeria today is the chairman of INEC because they named him chairman but will not allow him to do his work. They tell him which party to register, which convention to attend and which leaders to recognise,” he alleged.
Adebayo further described the APC as “the most oppressive party in Nigeria today,” insisting that Nigerians must defend democratic freedoms before they are eroded.
He, however, expressed confidence in the growing popularity of the SDP, noting that the successful conduct of the party’s convention despite alleged political pressure demonstrated resilience among opposition forces.
The event witnessed the presence of the party’s stakeholders, high personalities and the election, endorsement of the newly elected presidential candidate, re-election of the party’s national chairman, as well as the Bauchi State gubernatorial candidate.
