The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 general election, Adewale Adebayo, has said he is “anointed by God” to provide a strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu.
Papers News reports that Adebayo made the declaration on Saturday while delivering his acceptance speech after emerging as the SDP presidential candidate at the party’s primary held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.
He emerged unopposed as the sole aspirant who purchased the party’s presidential nomination form.
Speaking before delegates and supporters, Adebayo said Nigerians were facing hardship, insecurity, unemployment, poverty and poor leadership.
He said many graduates remained jobless years after leaving universities and polytechnics, while families struggled with hunger and lack of access to healthcare.
Adebayo said, “The answer is that God is taking His time to give us a day like this. I am anointed by God to give President Tinubu a befitting opposition.”
The SDP candidate accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of suppressing internal democracy and attempting to weaken opposition parties.
He alleged that pressure was being mounted on opposition parties and institutions to limit political competition ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said, “What we are doing here, they cannot do it. They wait for one person to choose everybody for them. We need different political parties that believe in different things.”
Adebayo, however, commended Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, for allowing the convention to hold peacefully despite what he described as political pressure.
“I congratulate Governor Bala Mohammed for being a true representative of democracy,” he said.
Adebayo vowed that the SDP would contest and win the 2027 presidential election.
He promised to provide people-oriented leadership across all levels of government.
He stated, “We are going to contest the presidential election taking place in January 2027 and, by God’s grace, we will win for the people of Nigeria.”
The SDP flag bearer said his administration would tackle poverty, improve grassroots governance, strengthen democratic institutions and promote accountability in public office.
‘I’m Against Corruption, Injustice’
Adebayo said he was not fighting any individual politician but was opposed to corruption, injustice, autocracy and bad governance.
He added, “I am not an enemy of any politician. I am an enemy of corruption, injustice, unaccountability and autocracy.”
He urged Nigerians to make use of their democratic freedom and support multiparty democracy.
Adebayo warned against what he described as increasing attempts to stifle opposition voices in the country.
He emerged following a vote of confidence and endorsement by delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
