By Osaretin Osadebamwen
Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewale Adebayo, has explained why he is seeking Nigeria’s presidency in 2027, saying the country’s biggest challenges require the powers and national reach of the office of the President.
Adebayo said his political ambition was not driven by personal wealth, financial interests or the pursuit of political status, arguing that politics should be about collective service and the ability to make a difference in the lives of citizens.
He made this assertion on a video circulate by his media team and made available to the intercepting.com
“Politics is not about personal money. Politics is about the collective effort. Awolowo was a comfortable, wealthy man, but Awolowo wasn’t using money to run the UPN or Action Group.”
According to him, the political model he advocates does not require aspirants to be wealthy before they can seek elective office.
“So the kind of politics we do in the Sosial Democratic Party (SDP) does not require you to be rich to run for office. So you do not have to be wealthy. You have to be talented. You have to be patriotic. That’s what matters in our politics.”
Adebayo also said he would not allow the pursuit of money to determine his political conduct, insisting that public service should not be used as a means of personal enrichment.
“We will never commit crimes. We Will l never look for money. I have stopped looking for money for the past 20 years now.”
He explained that his focus over the years had been on personal accomplishment and creating economic opportunities for others rather than accumulating wealth for himself.
“I just work by personal accomplishment, to generate income for people, and to be somebody who can turn the tide of history in favor of my people.”
Adebayo further rejected the suggestion that his presidential ambition was motivated by a desire for personal advancement or validation.
“So additional money is not my priority. And I’m not looking for a personal career. I don’t need to climb to position. I’m okay.”
He said his background and achievements had already given him the confidence he needed, making government office unnecessary as a source of personal validation.
“I was born right, the right family, the right status, right education. I don’t need validation. I don’t need government office.”
Rather, Adebayo said his interest in the presidency was driven by what he described as the collective problems confronting Nigerians.
“And the problems I want to solve are collective problems of the country.”
He identified poverty and insecurity among the problems requiring national intervention, arguing that state governors lack the constitutional reach to address security challenges across the federation.
“If you look at the fare, poverty, and insecurity, you can’t solve those problems except you are the president. You can’t solve the problem as a governor of the state.”
He illustrated his argument by asking how a governor could address insecurity outside his state.
“If I am governor of Ondo State, or governor of Lagos State, how am I going to solve insecurity in Sapele, in Ebonyi?”
He also linked national security to the responsibility of the presidency to coordinate the armed forces.
“How am I going to organize the armed forces to maintain patriotism and protection of the country?”
Adebayo said his political aspiration was therefore tied to the constitutional responsibilities of the presidency.
“So the problems that I am able to solve and I am willing to solve are problems vested in Section 5 of the Constitution.”
He concluded by pointing to the constitutional foundation of presidential authority, saying, “All executive powers of the federation are vested in the president, which are to be known as president of Nigeria and armed forces.”
