Adebayo praises Bala Mohammed for defending democracy at SDP convention

Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 general election,  has praised Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State Governor, for what he described as his commitment to democracy and political tolerance following the successful conduct of the party’s national convention in Bauchi.

Adebayo, who emerged as the SDP’s consensus presidential candidate at the convention, said the governor deserved commendation for allowing opposition politics to thrive despite alleged political pressure from powerful interests seeking to frustrate the gathering.

Speaking shortly after accepting the party’s presidential ticket, Adebayo said the successful hosting of the convention reflected the resilience of democracy in the country at a time he claimed political freedoms were increasingly under threat.

“You travelled through insecurity, through difficulty, through bad roads. You travelled to come here despite the threats we saw earlier today and the pressure put on the government of this state to kick us out,” Adebayo told party supporters and delegates.

“So I congratulate Governor Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, for being a true representative of democracy,” he added.

The SDP flag bearer used the occasion to warn Nigerians against what he described as growing attempts to undermine opposition politics and democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, Nigeria was drifting dangerously toward “one-man rule,” insisting that political diversity and ideological competition remained essential for national development.

Adebayo alleged that opposition parties were increasingly facing intimidation and pressure, but maintained that the SDP convention in Bauchi demonstrated that democratic resistance remained alive.

“The little freedom we have is about to be taken away from us,” he declared. “Use your freedom while you still have it.”

He further appealed to Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political divides to unite against corruption, insecurity, injustice and economic hardship.
The SDP candidate also said his party would present itself as a national alternative focused on accountability, welfare and inclusive governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.