Nigeria Has No Real Opposition — Adebayo Slams Politicians for ‘Room-Hopping’ in Same Political House!”

Former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has criticized the current state of opposition politics in Nigeria, asserting that politicians are not genuinely practicing true opposition.

Adebayo argued that there is a lack of ideological distinction among Nigeria’s political parties, noting that defections are merely cosmetic changes, with politicians shifting from one faction to another within the same political establishment.

In an interview with Vanguard, while reacting to the recent wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Adebayo dismissed claims that the defections were due to President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, stating instead that many are also joining the SDP.

He said:

“Where is the real opposition in Nigeria? The so-called opposition figures are simply establishment politicians rotating between parties. A PDP member cannot truly claim to be in opposition when the party holds the second-highest number of elected officials after the APC—and even has ministers in Tinubu’s cabinet. They’re not leaving the house; they’re just moving from one room to another.”

He stressed that real opposition should be grounded in differing ideologies, values, and a rejection of the status quo—not driven by political convenience.

According to Adebayo, the SDP is witnessing a steady influx of new members, but he emphasized that mere defection is not enough.

“When people join us, we ask: Have their beliefs and principles shifted? Do they genuinely embrace our vision? If they were complicit in Nigeria’s challenges—through unjust policies or mismanagement of resources—are they willing to repent and reform?”

He concluded by saying that the SDP is less concerned about the number of high-profile defectors and more focused on galvanizing ordinary Nigerians to transform the political landscape.