In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party's 2023 presidential candidate, has articulated a comprehensive political strategy that prioritizes grassroots consultation and national reconciliation over media-driven narratives.
"We are also consulting with other people who wouldn't want to be in the media," Adebayo revealed, emphasizing a deliberate approach to political dialogue that values substantive engagement over public spectacle. He stressed the fundamental principle underlying these consultations: "We are consulting with ordinary Nigerians, because it's not El-Rufai that is going to save the SDP or save the country. It is the people of Nigeria."
Drawing from recent experiences in the North, the presidential candidate shared insights into the political mood. "I have been in the North for a few days; people are listening to El-Rufai. People are listening to other people," he stated, highlighting a nuanced political landscape that extends beyond individual political personalities.
Adebayo revealed a surprising undercurrent of political frustration among party members, quoting those within the ruling party who feel marginalized: "There are so many people who are even in the ruling party, who say, why are you neglecting us? We want to talk to you as well."
The SDP candidate articulated a broader vision of political engagement that transcends traditional partisan boundaries. "If anybody loves Nigeria, he needs to know that coming together to get our politics right is the right thing for us to do now," he declared, presenting a compelling argument for national unity and collaborative political problem-solving.
In a notable statement that could potentially defuse political tensions, Adebayo emphasized, "The SDP is not anti-Tinubu," suggesting an approach of political inclusivity rather than confrontation.
The interview highlights the complex political dynamics of contemporary Nigeria, where individual political affiliations are increasingly fluid and conversations across party lines are becoming more critical to national progress.