The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 general election, Adewole Adebayo, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu told political party leaders he could not be expected to supervise a free and fair election while also seeking re-election.
Adebayo made the claim during an interview on Channels Television, where he recounted what he said transpired during a meeting between President Tinubu and political stakeholders in Abuja during the Ramadan fasting period.
According to Adebayo, the meeting brought together members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and representatives of other political parties.
The SDP chieftain said opposition parties used the occasion to express concerns over the administration’s handling of electoral reforms and certain provisions of the Electoral Act, which they believe could undermine democratic competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Although Adebayo stated that he was not physically present at the gathering, he said the National Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Yusuf Dantalle, represented opposition parties and presented their concerns to the president.
According to him, the opposition leaders reminded President Tinubu of his role as head of state and urged him to prioritize the long-term health of Nigeria’s democracy over partisan interests.
“The speech was basically to remind the president, ‘You are our head of state; therefore, you are the father of the nation, and the approach and angle you have taken to this Electoral Act is not good for the long-term health of democracy, and you need to listen to us,’” Adebayo said.
He further alleged that President Tinubu responded by defending the use of political advantages available to incumbents.
“And the president said, ‘Well, you have provoked me, and I’m going to now say my mind; I didn’t want to talk before, but now I’ll talk. Why should I do that? Why should I make it easy for anybody? Why should I give you any free and fair election when I’m also a contestant? I was in the opposition, and I suffered and bore it like that, so it’s your turn. Why should I help you when I have the majority, so why should I use it? I have to use it to my advantage,’” Adebayo alleged.
The SDP candidate argued that while it is natural for a sitting president to seek re-election, such a leader must separate personal political interests from constitutional obligations.
He maintained that a president seeking another term in office still has a duty to ensure a transparent, credible and inclusive electoral process for all contestants.
According to Adebayo, state institutions, appointments, regulatory powers and public resources should not be manipulated to provide an unfair advantage to the ruling party.
“When you are the incumbent, and you are the head of state, and you are contesting an election, and you are also conducting it, you should separate your personal interest as a contestant from your statutory and constitutional mandate as the father of the nation and as a public officer,” he stated.
He added that opposition parties had earlier raised concerns about provisions within the proposed Electoral Act amendments, arguing that some measures could weaken political competition and reduce democratic participation.
Adebayo also accused lawmakers supporting the reforms of acting against their own political interests by backing legislation that could diminish their future relevance within the democratic process.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not officially responded to the allegations.
According to reports, presidential media aides, including Bayo Onanuga and Daniel Bwala, did not provide comments when contacted regarding the claims.
The allegations come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum, with opposition parties increasingly scrutinising electoral reforms, governance issues and the administration’s democratic credentials.
The Presidency has yet to issue an official statement confirming or denying the remarks attributed to President Tinubu by the SDP presidential candidate.
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