Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, has cast doubts over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in the 2027 election if current challenges persist.
Speaking during an interview on August 27, 2025, on Politics Today, Adebayo criticised the administration’s handling of the economy, security, and social welfare since Tinubu took office in 2023.
He asserted, “If things remain as they are by 2027, President Tinubu, in good conscience, should not be surprised if Nigerians vote massively against him. The people have suffered enough, and his policies are simply not working.” Adebayo stressed the need for meaningful improvements in macroeconomic stability, security, poverty reduction, and employment opportunities.
“Only then will the election become competitive. Otherwise, it would be in the country’s and the president’s best interest for him to step aside after his first term.”
His comments follow growing debates around the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the challenges facing Nigeria under its rule. Adebayo accused the APC-led government of mismanaging the nation since taking power.
Meanwhile, former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim criticised the opposition Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) zoning of the 2027 presidency to the South. He argued this move could inadvertently favour Tinubu’s re-election bid by limiting the PDP’s candidate options.
Adding to the political dynamics, Dr Aliyu Audu, a former special adviser to Tinubu, is preparing to register a new political party ahead of the 2027 election, signalling possible challenges within the APC’s ranks.
