SDP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE PRINCE ADEWOLE ADEBAYO WARNS AGAINST POSTPONING 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS OVER HEALTH CONCERNS

Party flagbearer rejects calls for campaign suspensions or election delays amid recent Ebola outbreak, urging strict adherence to public health protocols without stalling democratic processes

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has warned against any attempt by authorities to postpone the 2027 general elections or suspend political campaign activities under the guise of managing public health concerns.

Speaking during a high-level party dinner and campaign event in Abuja, Adebayo addressed rising debates over reported Ebola cases, stressing that public health advisories should not be weaponized to compromise Nigeria's democratic timeline. He noted that isolated health cases do not meet the threshold for halting political rallies or altering constitutional election schedules, citing Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 outbreak without shutting down democratic engagements.

Adebayo argued that postponing elections or restricting opposition gatherings would set a dangerous precedent and unfairly advantage the ruling party. He aligned with public health recommendations from the Ministry of Health advocating for clear safety protocols, hand hygiene, and disease surveillance during public events rather than an outright disruption of electoral activities.

During the event, which was attended by party leaders including SDP National Chairman Prof. Sadiq Gombe and vice-presidential candidate Dr. Usman Bugaje, the party also unveiled its official campaign manifesto, translated into major Nigerian languages, reiterating its commitment to addressing national security and economic welfare head-on.