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ABUJA – ife of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Mrs. Lilian Adebayo, has said that if Nigerians are honest with themselves and choose competence over sentiment her husband Prince Adewole Adebayo will emerge as a winner in the 2027 presidential election. While adding that, if citizens vote based on conscience and a genuine desire for progress, Prince Adebayo stands a strong chance against any candidate, even an incumbent. Speaking in Abuja after receiving an award of honour from SDP state chairmen on Thursday in Abuja, said “If Nigerians are truly honest, my husband has a great chance. We’ve had presidents come and go without meaningful change. Nigerians know what they want young, capable, and energetic leaders who can work and move the country forward”. “That’s the more reason Nigerians must be honest with themselves. What have they gained from the sitting president? We are all still crying; things are not better than before. So if Nigerians truly want change, they know what to do,” she emphasized. She also hinted that her will not abandon the SDP for any political party ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that his loyalty and commitment to the party remain unshakable. Mrs. Adebayo said her husband has been a consistent member of the party since his teenage years and has resisted pressure to defect to bigger parties despite numerous offers. “My husband, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has often said it publicly that he joined the SDP at the age of 19 and has never left. He had several opportunities to move to other parties, including the PDP, but he chose to remain in the SDP. By the grace of God, in the next election, he is still going to be there. He’s not leaving SDP for another party whatsoever,” she said. Mrs. Adebayo expressed confidence in the party’s internal unity, noting that unlike other political platforms riddled with endless crises, the SDP has managed its affairs with maturity and peaceful conflict resolution. “Like every other party, we’ve had our share of challenges, but the SDP has always handled issues internally. Whenever there’s a problem, it gets resolved amicably. So, I’m not scared of anything. Peace will always reign in our party,” she affirmed. On the issue of women’s inclusion in politics, Mrs. Adebayo called for greater representation of women in governance, saying their compassionate and balanced approach to leadership can contribute meaningfully to national development. “Women deserve more representation. They rule with empathy and fairness. If we truly want a balanced and progressive society, we must allow more women to participate in leadership,” she said. Reacting to suggestions that women do not support each other in politics, she disagreed, saying men often create unnecessary rivalry among women. “I don’t believe women don’t support women. If men leave us to sort ourselves out, we’ll always stand by one another. I was so happy to see the only female among the SDP chairmen; I gave her a big hug. If she contests for any position, I’ll definitely support her,” Mrs. Adebayo added. Speaking on the honour she received from the party, Mrs. Adebayo described it as a humbling recognition of her support for the SDP’s vision. “This award is a great honour for me. It means a lot because it comes from people who have worked closely with my husband and believe in the values he stands for,” she said. She concluded by reaffirming her husband’s readiness to serve, noting that his consistency and passion for the SDP demonstrate his vision for a better Nigeria. “Prince Adewole Adebayo is not just in politics for ambition; he is in it for service. And if Nigerians will be true to themselves, he can defeat anybody in 2027,” she asserted.
