Adebayo, Sowore Warn Against Self-Serving 2027 Coalitions as SDP Rejects Hijack Attempt

The political atmosphere in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 coalitions and general elections is gradually heating up, with key opposition figures voicing strong concerns over the formation of a new coalition. At the center of the debate is the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which has come under pressure from various political actors aiming to use it as a launchpad to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

However, Prince Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate and a confirmed contender for 2027, has issued a clear warning: the party will not serve as a “getaway car” for political opportunists.

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Beware the ‘Borrowed Battles,’ Adebayo Tells Opposition

Speaking on Monday at the 50th birthday celebration of his wife, Lillian Adebayo, the respected lawyer-turned-politician addressed journalists and took a firm stand on the current coalition discussions. He cautioned those planning to hijack the SDP for personal political vendettas against the Tinubu administration, declaring that such motives are not aligned with the party’s ideology or vision.

“Of course, my party knows that I’m running for the 2027 election. As for the coalition, we are listening to them. We don’t want to be a getaway car for a conspiracy and robbery we did not plan. That’s not available,” Adebayo stated.

While reiterating that the SDP is open to alliances, he emphasized that it must be driven by the interest of Nigerians, not disgruntled political elites seeking revenge. “If the coalition is for the Nigerian people, the SDP is available. But if it is just a crime centre for disappointed Tinubu followers, they should go back to him and resolve their differences there. Don’t come to SDP to borrow us for a fight we are not involved in,” he said.

‘B’ for Battle, But Not for Betrayal

“B” stands for battle, betrayal, and the brewing tensions between party ideologies and opportunistic power grabs. Adebayo’s remarks reflect a growing concern that coalitions, historically formed to challenge ruling powers, have often become tools for power-hungry politicians who quickly defect when offered positions or incentives.

Joining the chorus of caution was Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), who echoed the need for meaningful and people-focused political engagement.

“Every gathering should have a little bit of discussion about how Nigeria should move forward,” Ameh said. “There is hunger on the streets, Nigerians are depressed, and there are high tariffs on electricity and data… Since President Tinubu came into office, the cost of living has gone so high.”

Ameh stressed that any coalition should not be another elite alliance but must reflect the “urgent concerns of Nigerians” suffering under what he described as “incompetent governance.”

Sowore Slams Credibility of Coalition Leaders

Adding to the conversation, Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), voiced his skepticism over the proposed coalition being coordinated by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Speaking during the same event in Abuja, Sowore was blunt in his criticism, accusing the coalition’s architects of lacking credibility and genuine reformist intent.

“I support coalitions and opposition. But not the kind that has people like El-Rufai. When the time comes, the moment they are offered what they want, they will go back to where they came from,” he said.

He went further to ridicule the coalition, asserting that many of its proposed members are former officials from President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet—individuals he believes should be facing legal consequences rather than political reinvention.

“The APC was a coalition. Did you forget? The people who are asking to form another coalition were former APC members. In fact, most of them were Buhari cabinet members who are supposed to be in prison forming a union of prisoners, not coalitions,” Sowore added sharply.

The Road to 2027: Substance Over Structure

As the 2027 presidential race begins to take shape, the debate surrounding opposition coalitions has re-emerged. While coalitions can serve as powerful vehicles for political change, their success depends on authenticity, consistency, and a clear focus on national interests—not personal grudges or recycled alliances.

Prince Adebayo’s stance offers a reality check to political actors seeking to use well-structured parties like the SDP for temporary fights. His message is clear: Nigeria needs a coalition grounded in principle, not desperation.

As Nigerians prepare for another critical election season, the choices made by opposition leaders in the coming months could determine whether the country will witness genuine reform—or yet another reshuffling of the same political actors wearing new labels.