Mrs. Lilian Adebayo, wife of the former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has debunked reports suggesting that her husband is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
She gave the clarification on Thursday in Abuja while addressing a delegation of SDP state chairmen amid the party’s ongoing leadership tussle and the wave of defections by opposition figures to the ruling party.
Describing the reports as “false and misleading,” Lilian maintained that her husband has remained loyal to the SDP since joining it as a teenager.
“There is absolutely no truth in the claims linking my husband to the APC or any other party,” she said.
“Prince Adewole Adebayo joined the SDP at the age of 19 and has never left. Over the years, he’s had many opportunities to move to other parties like the APC or PDP, but he chose to stay faithful to the SDP. By the grace of God, he will still contest under the same platform in the next election.”
She praised the SDP’s internal dispute resolution process, noting that the party had managed its internal issues more peacefully compared to other political organisations.
“Every political party faces challenges, but the SDP has handled its affairs maturely and responsibly. You don’t hear of the kind of chaos or division that often rocks other parties. Whenever misunderstandings arise, we resolve them amicably,” she added.
Speaking on her husband’s political prospects, Mrs. Adebayo expressed optimism about his chances in the 2027 presidential election, describing him as “youthful, capable, and passionate about Nigeria’s future.”
“I strongly believe he stands a real chance if Nigerians truly want progress. We’ve seen leaders come and go without meaningful change. It’s time the country gave an opportunity to someone young, competent, and committed to national development,” she said.
Her statement follows the recent expulsion of the SDP National Chairman, Alhaji Musa Gabam, and several top officials over alleged misconduct, financial irregularities, and abuse of office.
According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, the decision to expel the officers came after the adoption of a Disciplinary Committee’s report and a White Paper review of the allegations.
Aiyenigba said the action was taken to “restore integrity, discipline, and order within the SDP,” and that the National Working Committee had unanimously approved the move.
The leadership crisis has fueled speculations that some key figures in the party, including Adebayo, may be considering forming new alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. However, Mrs. Adebayo’s remarks appear to firmly dismiss those rumours.
