Adebayo warns against 2027 election boycott amid opposition crisis
Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has urged Nigerians not to boycott the 2027 elections, warning that disengagement strengthens entrenched political interests. Speaking on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu on Wednesday, Adebayo stressed that active participation is central to ensuring accountability and reflecting the people's aspirations.
His warning comes as Nigeria's opposition parties—including the ADC and PDP—face deep internal leadership crises, with INEC suspending recognition of ADC factions and some leaders considering a boycott over alleged bias. Adebayo argued that abstaining from voting harms citizens, not politicians, stating: "When citizens abstain from voting, it is not the politicians who lose; it is the people themselves."
He acknowledged widespread cynicism due to unkept promises, corruption, and poor governance but insisted disengagement is not the solution. "Refusing to vote... only hands power back to the same individuals and systems that perpetuate failure," he said, framing voting as both a right and civic responsibility to reform governance.
Adebayo criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration for failing on security, employment, economic growth, and anti-corruption, noting most Nigerians belong to no party yet bear the brunt of poor governance. He urged collective participation to replace ineffective leadership democratically.
With opposition turmoil potentially fueling voter apathy, the question is: will you participate in 2027 to shape accountability, or does the current system justify disengagement?