The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general election, Adewole Adebayo, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu possesses undue influence over Nigeria’s electoral process, claiming that the President can effectively “produce his own votes” during elections.
Adebayo made the remarks during an appearance on Politics Hub, a current affairs programme hosted by Vanguard, where he discussed preparations for the 2027 general elections and the SDP’s strategy for expanding its support base across the country.
Expressing concerns about the credibility of the electoral system, Adebayo controversially described President Tinubu as the “chairman” of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), suggesting that the electoral body lacks sufficient independence from the executive arm of government.
According to him, the SDP has adopted a grassroots approach since the conclusion of the 2023 elections, focusing on direct engagement with Nigerians in communities across the country.
“Since the last election, we continue to visit people wherever they are because Tinubu can produce his own votes because he’s the INEC chairman himself,” Adebayo stated during the interview.
The SDP chieftain argued that political leaders must reconnect with ordinary citizens through sustained physical engagement rather than relying solely on media campaigns and political structures.
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He drew comparisons with prominent leaders of Nigeria’s First Republic, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, whom he praised for their commitment to grassroots politics.
“We need to go back to our people the same way our leaders in the First Republic did,” he said. “You needed to see Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello and Nnamdi Azikiwe. When these people went for campaigns, dust covered their bodies.”
Adebayo maintained that effective leadership begins with understanding the realities faced by citizens across the country.
He noted that his extensive travels throughout Nigeria have exposed him to the challenges confronting different communities and reinforced the importance of direct interaction with voters.
“I do everything to cover everywhere in Nigeria. I know the deficiencies. I know where people are, and I know that you need to go and meet them where they are,” he added.
The comments are likely to generate debate within political circles as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While Adebayo’s remarks reflect concerns frequently raised by opposition figures regarding electoral transparency, neither the Presidency nor INEC has responded to his allegations.
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