A former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has hinted at the presence of government-backed moles within the party.
Adebayo said infiltration of opposition parties by ruling parties was not new in Nigerian politics, warning that those who allowed themselves to be used would face long-term consequences.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that he spoke on Thursday while featuring on Channels Television’s Hard Copy.
Asked about alleged moles sent into the SDP by President Bola Tinubu, Adebayo said the practice was common among ruling parties, not peculiar to the current administration.
He stated, “It’s a standard practice for the ruling party, not only President Tinubu. Before then, when there was PDP, right from Obasanjo’s time, they were always attacking the other parties.
“They, moles, will always be there, and the most important thing is for you to show leadership and try to encourage the people to know that there is transactional politics and that they can be used.”
Adebayo warned party members against allowing themselves to be used for money or temporary fame.
“My role is to remind members that anyone can be used by the government, especially, by people who are politicians, and if you allow yourself to be used to make a little money or make 15 minutes of fame, the consequences will be generational,” he said.
He added that Nigeria’s current challenges required serious political engagement, not drama.
“Nigeria has no room for drama because we are facing existential challenges. If you have a role to play in politics, play a role that is going to yield the best results,” he said.
Adebayo said the hardship facing Nigerians should be the priority of political actors.
“A hungry person in the Southwest is an angry person, a person who buys petrol for three times their salary is not going to be happy,” he said.