Tension gripped the national secretariat of the Social Democratic Party in Abuja on Thursday after security operatives stormed the premises shortly after former presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo completed his screening exercise for the 2027 race.
Adebayo raised alarm over the incident, describing it as a deliberate attempt to disrupt the SDP’s presidential nomination process and frustrate his ambition to emerge as the party’s flagbearer. He alleged that the action was orchestrated by forces loyal to President Bola Tinubu, whom he accused of trying to impose “one-man rule” on the country.
“President Tinubu, the autocrat, has sent his goons to invade the SDP National Secretariat a day after I completed my presidential primary election screening,” Adebayo said. “Tinubu wants one-man rule in Nigeria. We will defeat him. It is cowardly and not presidential for the President to be afraid of competition.”
The SDP chieftain specifically mentioned House of Representatives member James Faleke and INEC chairman Joash Amupitan as part of those he claimed had perfected plans to destabilize the party’s internal process and prevent his emergence.
Sources within the party disclosed that Adebayo had visited the secretariat for his nomination screening exercise before policemen reportedly swooped on the premises in the early hours of Thursday, creating panic among party officials and supporters. The reports said the presence of security personnel triggered fresh fears about pressure tactics ahead of the next general election cycle.
The SDP is preparing for a national convention scheduled for May 9 in Bauchi State and has commenced screening of aspirants for various elective positions, including the presidency. National Chairman Prof Sadiq Gombe said the party had set up Screening, Electoral, Convention and several sub-committees to ensure a credible exercise.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official reaction from the Presidency, the Nigeria Police Force, or the individuals named in the allegations.
