The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has appealed to Nigerians not to boycott the 2027 election.
Speaking on Wednesday during an appearance on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Adebayo urged Nigerians not to undermine the nation’s democratic process.
He condemned the calls for boycotts and stressed that active participation in elections remains central to ensuring accountability and fostering a government that reflects the people’s aspirations.
He warned that disengagement from the electoral process only strengthens entrenched political interests and allows politicians with questionable records to dominate the national space.
He said, “When citizens abstain from voting, it is not the politicians who lose; it is the people themselves. SDP calls on every Nigerian to recognise the power they hold in their hands during elections, to reject calls for boycotts, and to ensure that their voices are part of the national conversation.
“True change is impossible without participation, and our party is dedicated to mobilising Nigerians to exercise this fundamental right.”
According to him, democracy requires the active involvement of citizens, from voting to holding leaders accountable.
“I understand the cynicism many Nigerians feel. It is easy to be disillusioned when promises are broken, when corruption seems unchecked, or when government actions fail to meet expectations.
“But disengagement is not the solution. Refusing to vote or calling for a boycott only hands power back to the same individuals and systems that perpetuate failure. It is the people’s duty to reclaim the process, to ensure their voices are counted, and to demand accountability at every level of government,” he said
Adebayo emphasised that voting is both a right and a civic responsibility, urging Nigerians to use the ballot to reform governance and reshape leadership.
He argued that meaningful political change requires collective participation and a deliberate effort to replace ineffective leadership through democratic means.
Adebayo criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, stating that the government has failed to deliver on its promises in key areas such as security, employment, economic growth, and anti-corruption.