By Aaron Ossai
Former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mulikat Adeola Akande, has called on Nigerians to support the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, ahead of the 2027 general election.
Akande made the call at the public presentation of Adebayo’s book, Farewell to Poverty and Insecurity: Governance and Accelerated Development — Blueprint of a New Nigeria, 2027–2031, where she expressed confidence in his ability to provide an alternative direction for the country.
The former federal lawmaker urged Nigerians not to dismiss the SDP because of its relatively small political structure, stressing that the quality of a political candidate should matter more than the size of the party platform.
She said Adebayo had presented himself, his policies and his vision for Nigeria, adding that he had demonstrated a willingness to dedicate himself to addressing the country’s challenges.
“Each time I hear the presidential candidate speak in public, I just pity Nigerians because it is so easy to see someone who can take you to the Promised Land,” Akande said.
She urged voters to examine Adebayo’s policies rather than focus on perceptions about the SDP’s political strength.
Akande warned that Nigerians would ultimately be responsible for the choices they make in 2027, stressing that future generations could judge them by the decisions taken at the polls.
“The earlier we begin to think in the right direction, the better,” she said. “He has offered himself. He has offered everything that he has to ensure that this country changes.”
Questioning continued support for politicians blamed for the country’s current difficulties, the former lawmaker said Nigerians should be willing to consider alternatives ahead of the election.
“Do we like what is going wrong right now? And you know the people who are causing this, and you are still standing by them. What else do you want?” she asked.
Akande also dismissed concerns that Adebayo’s promises were merely political rhetoric, saying the SDP candidate had gone beyond making campaign statements by outlining specific policies and what he intended to achieve if elected.
“He has told you his policies. He has told you what he can do,” she said.
She consequently called on SDP supporters to intensify mobilisation efforts and take the party’s message to Nigerians across the country ahead of the 2027 election.
Akande stressed that the campaign should not be viewed as the personal ambition of any individual politician but as a broader effort to address Nigeria’s challenges.
“It is not about me. It is not about him. It is about the country,” she declared.
She urged Nigerians to seize what she described as an opportunity for change, warning that failure to do so could have serious consequences after the 2027 election.
