Lilian Adebayo, wife of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential hopeful, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has openly declared her full support for her husband’s 2027 presidential ambition.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, Mrs. Adebayo praised her husband’s consistency and loyalty to the SDP, noting that he has remained committed to the party since joining it in 1991.
“My husband, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has been a member of the SDP since he was 19 years old.
He has had several opportunities to join other political parties, including the PDP, but he chose to remain in the SDP. He believes in the party’s ideology and has never wavered in his commitment,” she said.
Mrs. Adebayo also commended the SDP’s leadership for maintaining internal unity through dialogue, saying the party’s ability to resolve issues peacefully gives her confidence ahead of the next election.
“Like every other political party, SDP has had its share of challenges, but the difference is that our party always finds a way to resolve issues amicably. There’s peace and understanding, and that gives me confidence that SDP will remain strong ahead of 2027,” she said.
Expressing faith in her husband’s chances in the forthcoming presidential election, she urged Nigerians to prioritize competence and integrity over sentiment.
“I believe he has a great chance if Nigerians are honest with themselves. We have had leaders come and go, yet the country remains the same.
Nigerians need to stop deceiving themselves and choose someone who is capable, young, and ready to work for the good of the nation,” she added.
She further urged voters to make decisions based on performance and vision, not incumbency or political favoritism.
“Even against a sitting president seeking re-election, I believe my husband can win if Nigerians are truthful. We are not better off than we were before, so Nigerians must be honest about what they want. It’s time to vote for progress, not promises,” Mrs. Adebayo said.
On women’s participation in politics, she called for increased female representation, stressing that women bring emotional intelligence and balance to governance.
“Women need more representation in politics. Men often dominate decision-making, but if they truly want national progress, they must allow more women to participate,” she said.
Responding to claims that women often fail to support one another, Mrs. Adebayo argued that men sometimes fuel such divisions.
“I don’t think women naturally oppose one another. It’s men who often stir conflict among women. If left alone, women would stand together and support each other,” she said.
She also reflected on a recent award she received for her contributions to social causes and women’s empowerment, describing it as motivation to continue her advocacy.
“It’s a great honour for me. It inspires me to continue advocating for women and contributing to national development,” she said.
Prince Adewole Adebayo is a lawyer, businessman, and founder of KAFTAN TV. He began his career at Tunji Abayomi & Co. before founding his law firm, Adewole Adebayo & Co. (House of Law), in 2002.
A long-time member of the SDP, Adebayo contested the 2023 presidential election under the party and has confirmed plans to seek the party’s ticket again for the 2027 polls.