The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo, has warned Nigerians against boycotting the 2027 general elections, saying such a move would hurt citizens more than the political class.
Adebayo gave the warning on Wednesday during an appearance on a current affairs programme, Frontline, on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, where he urged Nigerians to remain actively involved in the democratic process.
According to him, voter apathy and calls for election boycott would only strengthen entrenched political interests and deny citizens the opportunity to influence governance.
He said, “When citizens abstain from voting, it is not the politicians who lose; it is the people themselves. Nigerians must recognise the power they hold during elections and reject calls for boycotts.”
The former presidential candidate stressed that participation in elections remained the most effective way to demand accountability and ensure leadership reflects the will of the people.
His comments come amid growing concerns over the country’s electoral environment, particularly debates surrounding the proposed Electoral Act 2026 and internal crises within opposition parties.
The situation has been compounded by leadership disputes in the African Democratic Congress following the withdrawal of recognition of a faction by the Independent National Electoral Commission after a Court of Appeal ruling.
Political observers have warned that such developments could weaken opposition parties, reduce electoral choices and deepen voter apathy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite these concerns, Adebayo insisted that disengagement was not the solution to Nigeria’s political challenges.
“I understand the frustration many Nigerians feel, but refusing to vote only hands power back to the same system people complain about. The solution is to participate and demand accountability,” he added.
Adebayo also criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of failing to deliver on key promises relating to security, economic growth and citizens’ welfare.
He said the hardship being experienced across the country reflected poor governance and called on Nigerians to use the ballot to effect change.
“The government is not delivering the goods to the Nigerian people. The promises made have not been kept. Nigerians must come together to change the leadership of this country through democratic means,” he said.
The SDP chieftain further urged citizens to register to vote, pay attention to national issues and support credible candidates within their communities.
He maintained that meaningful political change could only be achieved through collective participation and the election of new leaders.
“The best way to correct bad laws is to change the lawmakers, and that can only be done through active participation in elections,” he added.
