Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to interfere in opposition parties and undermine democratic competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a television interview on Tuesday, Adebayo alleged that the president was trying to influence the activities of opposition political parties while also exerting undue control over institutions expected to remain independent.
According to him, “The president wants to belong to every political party, also act as the chairman of INEC, and the part-time Chief Justice of Nigeria.”
Adebayo made the remarks while reacting to reported divisions within the SDP and claims by another individual, Akinbola Atanda, who allegedly presented himself as a presidential aspirant of the party.
The SDP chieftain dismissed the claim, insisting that the party neither recognised Atanda as a member nor as an aspirant.
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He further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken opposition parties through political interference and the sponsorship of what he described as “pseudo candidates.”
According to Adebayo, the APC was unwilling to allow genuine political competition, alleging that the governing party preferred a controlled political environment ahead of the next election cycle.
He also criticised the conduct of APC primaries, claiming that the ruling party was only creating the appearance of democratic contests rather than conducting transparent internal elections.
The comments add to growing political tensions and exchanges among party leaders as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
