By
The Adewole Adebayo, presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 elections, has described the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as not a blessing, but a painful lesson for Nigerians.
Speaking during a Ramadan Iftar organised by the AAFAQ Foundation in Kano on Saturday, Adebayo said:
“Four years ago, I was in the city of Kano campaigning for the president of Nigeria, and I could see that God wanted to teach us a lesson. Until we learn that lesson, there is nothing the world can do. Almighty Allah does not make mistakes.”
He stressed that Nigerians should not interpret Tinubu’s presidency as divine favour, but rather as a wake-up call to embrace justice and reject division.
“It is better to live in a country that is a desert—with no water, oil, or minerals—but with justice, than to live in a land of plenty with injustice,” he added.
On the Muslim–Muslim ticket, Adebayo criticised the concept, recalling that he had earlier warned Nigerians about its implications.
“When I came to Kano, people were smiling when they mentioned a Muslim–Muslim ticket. I said, don’t worry, let the election finish. A time will come when, even if they are looking for two Muslims, they may not find one.”
He also condemned ongoing global tensions, particularly involving Israel and Iran, warning against attacks on innocent people during the holy month of Ramadan.
“This is not a time for people to gather and decide to unleash violence on others who are simply observing the holy month,” he said, urging Nigerian leaders to speak out against injustice both locally and internationally.
National Coordinator of the foundation, Abdulmutallib Ahmad Muhammad, said Adebayo was invited because of shared values on credible leadership and political reform.
He noted that the group, comprising Islamic clerics, is committed to transforming Nigeria’s political landscape by promoting credible candidates, adding that members have already been encouraged to join the SDP.
Earlier, Adebayo paid a condolence visit to former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, over the death of his elder brother, Dahiru Shekarau.
He described Shekarau as “a true senior brother and friend of the SDP,” whose patriotism and godliness continue to inspire him.
In his response, Shekarau expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that it reflected genuine brotherhood beyond political affiliations.
“This is the kind of culture we should promote in Nigeria. It is not about political parties, but about our relationships and shared vision to serve humanity,” he said.
