Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo says President Bola Tinubu's administration has become an "outgoing government," insisting that Nigerians will determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election through their votes.
Adebayo made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television's Sunday Politics, where he criticised the performance of the Tinubu administration, arguing that many Nigerians remain dissatisfied with the country's economic and security situation. According to him, the government's record over the past three years has significantly influenced public perception ahead of the next presidential election.
The SDP presidential candidate maintained that President Tinubu's greatest political challenge is not the opposition but the administration's own performance in office. He argued that issues such as rising living costs, insecurity, unemployment and governance concerns have weakened public confidence in the government.
According to Adebayo, the 2027 election should not be viewed as a contest of personalities but as an opportunity for Nigerians to assess the performance of those currently in office and decide the country's future through the ballot box. He urged citizens to focus on policies and leadership rather than political propaganda.
Adebayo also expressed support for political cooperation among opposition parties but stressed that his primary objective is to unite Nigerians around solutions to national challenges rather than merely building an electoral alliance. He said meaningful governance and national development should remain the central issues in political campaigns ahead of the next election.
The former presidential candidate further stated that the outcome of the 2027 election would ultimately depend on voter participation and public confidence in the electoral process. He encouraged eligible Nigerians to register, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in choosing the country's next leaders.
His comments come amid increasing political activity as major parties and emerging coalitions begin positioning themselves ahead of the next general election. Several opposition leaders have continued to hold consultations on possible alliances, while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) maintains that its policies will deliver long-term economic benefits before the end of President Tinubu's first term.
Political analysts believe the months ahead will witness intensified debate over governance, economic reforms, security and electoral credibility as parties prepare for campaign activities. They note that while political rhetoric is expected to increase, the electorate will ultimately judge candidates based on their records, policy proposals and ability to address Nigeria's pressing challenges.
With less than a year before nationwide campaign activities gather full momentum, statements from leading political figures such as Adewole Adebayo continue to shape conversations around the 2027 presidential election and the direction of Nigeria's democracy.