“Everyone knows I will be running again in 2027” – 2023 SDP Presidential candidate warns new defectors

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has revealed that he will be contesting for the presidency in 2027, stating that all new members of the party are aware of his ambition.

Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Friday, Adebayo emphasized that those joining the SDP must adapt to the party’s political structure and principles.

His statement come amid the recent defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP.

El-Rufai cited the APC’s deviation from its founding ideals as his reason for leaving. His move has prompted a wave of defections from his supporters, particularly in Kaduna State.

Addressing concerns over competition within the party, Adebayo insisted that new members, regardless of their political influence, must integrate into the party’s existing framework.

“I don’t worry about that. Everybody coming in knows that I am going to run in 2027. Even everyone in my party knows that I am going to run,” he stated.

“For some of these so-called heavyweights, their influence is largely in the media. But when you join my party, you are coming to learn the SDP way. You might have experience from other places, but here, you start as an ordinary member, and we are open and fair.”

He further clarified that unlike some past political structures where a single leader dominated the candidacy, the SDP remains inclusive while maintaining its core values.