Since his emergence as a presidential candidate under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, Adewole Ebenezer Adebayo has continued to make headlines. In this interview, the lawyer-turned-businessman and now politician expresses deep concern over Nigeria’s direction, attributing the nation’s worsening conditions to what he describes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s misguided policies. He also weighs in on the rising tide of political defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and broader issues in Nigeria’s political landscape.
On His Ambition to Plant 100 Million Trees
When asked how he plans to accomplish his bold vision of planting 100 million trees in his lifetime, Adebayo emphasized the power of consistent, daily action.
“We achieve it by starting,” he said. “Today is May 12, it’s just 10 a.m., and already 100 trees have been planted. Think about how many times you blink or breathe—these are constant biological actions. Likewise, we must recognize that we are constantly impacting the environment, even in our smallest actions—whether it’s eating or disposing of a sachet of water. Planting trees must become a conscious, habitual part of life.”
He stressed that while 100 million trees may sound overwhelming, taking daily steps makes it achievable. Some days will be more productive than others, but progress accumulates over time.
On Political Defections and Tinubu’s Leadership
Addressing the recent wave of defections by prominent opposition figures into the APC, Adebayo challenged the narrative that this is a reflection of President Tinubu’s successful leadership.
“Where is the real opposition in Nigeria?” he asked. “Many of those called ‘opposition’ are simply establishment politicians migrating between establishment parties. Moving from PDP to APC is like moving from one room to another in the same house—it’s not real change.”
He noted that even within the current APC government, PDP members hold key positions, underscoring his point that the differences between the parties are superficial.
Adebayo emphasized that for him and the SDP, what matters is ideological alignment and genuine reform. “We welcome those who join us in the SDP, but we ask them: Have you truly embraced our values? Are you willing to leave behind the unjust policies and corrupt practices that have harmed the poor?”
According to him, changing parties without changing political ideology or behavior is meaningless to ordinary Nigerians. “The poor man is suffering regardless of the party in power. What hurts them isn’t a party logo—it’s the people behind the policies. Poverty, insecurity, corruption, and underdevelopment are worsening despite Nigeria’s wealth.”
On Fears of Nigeria Becoming a One-Party State
Responding to concerns that the nation may be veering toward a one-party system, Adebayo dismissed the idea as implausible under the current conditions.
“Nigeria cannot become a one-party state,” he argued, “because it lacks the essential attributes of a welfare state. The benefits of governance are hoarded by the political elite, while ordinary citizens struggle to afford school fees, housing, and even food.”
He painted a stark contrast: “How can the poor, who stand in the rain hoping for a bus, be part of the same system as those flying private jets funded by public money?”
He added that if all current governors or senators joined one party, Nigerians would simply elect a new group. “A one-party state only exists when people believe only one party is viable, or when laws prevent new parties. That’s not the case in Nigeria. New parties can still emerge and thrive—what matters is having members who truly believe in their vision.”
Adebayo reaffirmed the SDP’s refusal to trade its principles for political appointments. “We were offered government positions after the 2023 elections. We declined. We chose to remain a true alternative.”
On Offering a Genuine Political Alternative
Adebayo detailed SDP’s policy alternatives, including:
Economic Reform: Opposing the fuel subsidy removal by proposing increased revenue generation, spending transparency, and job creation-focused budgeting.
Security: Advocating for decentralized policing to address local issues more effectively.
Agriculture and Employment: Proposing agricultural reform to eliminate open grazing and generate employment, especially for the youth.
Security Sector Clean-Up: Removing corrupt elements from security agencies and ensuring security funds are properly used.
In conclusion, Adebayo reiterated that real political change lies in shifting ideology and prioritizing the needs of ordinary Nigerians over elite interests. “Until we change politics itself, switching parties means nothing. Nigerians are ready for real alternatives—and the SDP is committed to being that alternative.”
