Social Democratic Party, SDP, presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Adewale Adebayo, has warned that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party system, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of stifling opposition voices and shrinking democratic space.
Speaking during a visit to the Kaduna State SDP Secretariat, Adebayo said political manoeuvres by the APC threaten the nation’s democracy and must be resisted through nationwide mobilisation. He alleged that some political leaders had “conspired” to concentrate power in a single dominant party, undermining political competition.
“They forgot that God created this country,” he said, noting that issues such as hunger, unemployment, and insecurity affect all Nigerians, regardless of region, religion, or age. He accused the APC of seeking to “destroy all opposition” and create a one-party state.
Adebayo also criticised the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, saying the party is now facing consequences for failing to deliver justice during its 16 years in power. He urged Nigerians not to be deceived by politicians who only engage citizens during election periods, insisting that the SDP remains “the only vehicle left to rescue the country.”
He further faulted President Bola Tinubu for ignoring local concerns but responding quickly to international figures, saying, “They listen to Trump more than the Nigerian people.”
During the visit, Adebayo also called on the Kaduna SDP chapter to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and secure a permanent party secretariat ahead of the 2027 elections.