Prince Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general elections, has revealed that his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, is engaged in discreet but strategic meetings aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 polls.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, Adebayo emphasized that Obi is not participating in the noisy coalition speculations circulating online, but rather in deeper, more meaningful political engagements behind the scenes.
“Peter Obi is moving quietly. He is having meetings with people that are not exposed to the media. He’s a disciplined person who knows what he’s doing and has his own plan,” Adebayo stated.
He argued that while many politicians engage in public displays and speculative alliances, real political groundwork is happening out of public view. “The leaders who actually control political structures are holding discussions. It’s not something for newspaper headlines. Everyone has their operational style,” he said.
Adebayo insisted that the 2027 presidential election would ultimately be decided by the Nigerian people, not through propaganda or party defections. According to him, any candidate with the people’s backing—himself included—could defeat President Tinubu.
“President Tinubu is on a trajectory that could lead to his defeat in 2027. The Nigerian people are not satisfied, and they’ve already allowed him two years to prove himself. What’s left of his tenure will be critical—and it seems he needs more than prayers to succeed,” he said.
He dismissed social media chatter about opposition coalitions as largely unserious. “The kind of politics where someone takes a photo at the airport and calls it a coalition is infantile,” he remarked. “What is happening is a deeper, ideology-based dialogue focused on strategy and genuine representation.”
The SDP chieftain also noted that his party is in talks with other political players across different platforms, with the goal of forming a strong and unified challenge to the ruling APC in 2027.
“There must be one formidable candidate to challenge Tinubu. That person must carry along the disenchanted and disadvantaged Nigerians. We’re working toward that—quietly, deliberately, and with clear focus.”
When asked if Peter Obi is part of these strategic talks, Adebayo said, “I believe he is, but he prefers discretion. He doesn’t want anyone discussing his moves in public. That’s part of his strength.”
Pressed further on whether he would be willing to step down for Obi if needed, Adebayo responded, “That’s a decision for later. But from what I see, I like what he’s doing, and I don’t think he disapproves of my efforts either. We’re both serious about Nigeria’s future.”
Adebayo concluded by urging the APC to focus less on political opponents and more on delivering good governance. “Their biggest worry should not be the 2027 election. It should be that they’re disappointing the Nigerian people.”
