The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has urged Nigerians to exercise their constitutional right to vote, cautioning against apathy or calls for boycotts that could undermine the nation’s democratic process.
Adebayo stressed that active participation in elections remains central to ensuring accountability and fostering a government that reflects the people’s aspirations.
He spoke on Wednesday, while appearing on a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, monitored by our correspondent in Abeokuta.
DAILY POST reports that Nigeria’s opposition parties are in turmoil ahead of the 2027 elections, with the ADC, PDP, and other parties facing deep internal leadership crises.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also suspended the recognition of ADC factions, with some leaders considering a 2027 boycott due to alleged bias.
Adebayo warned that disengagement from the electoral process only strengthens entrenched political interests and allows politicians with questionable records to dominate the national space.
He said, “When citizens abstain from voting, it is not the politicians who lose; it is the people themselves. SDP calls on every Nigerian to recognize the power they hold in their hands during elections, to reject calls for boycotts, and to ensure that their voices are part of the national conversation.
“True change is impossible without participation, and our party is dedicated to mobilizing Nigerians to exercise this fundamental right.”
According to him, democracy requires the active involvement of citizens, from voting to holding leaders accountable.
“I understand the cynicism many Nigerians feel. It is easy to be disillusioned when promises are broken, when corruption seems unchecked, or when government actions fail to meet expectations.
“But disengagement is not the solution. Refusing to vote or calling for a boycott only hands power back to the same individuals and systems that perpetuate failure. It is the people’s duty to reclaim the process, to ensure their voices are counted, and to demand accountability at every level of government,” he said.
Adebayo emphasized that voting is both a right and a civic responsibility, urging Nigerians to use the ballot as a tool for reforming governance and reshaping leadership.
He argued that meaningful political change requires collective participation and a deliberate effort to replace ineffective leadership through democratic means.
Adebayo criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, stating that the government has failed to deliver on its promises in key areas such as security, employment, economic growth, and anti-corruption.
He opined that the hardship faced by Nigerians reflects a leadership failure that must be addressed through democratic change.
“I would focus on the fact that the government is not governing well. It is not delivering the goods to the Nigerian people. The promises that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made… have not been kept. The vast majority of Nigerians don’t belong to any political party, and the government is failing them.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
