2027: ‘There Is No Muslim-Muslim Ticket’ – SDP’s Adewole Adebayo Dismisses Religious Politics

Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo has dismissed the idea of a “Muslim-Muslim ticket,” insisting that Nigerians are more concerned about competent and just leadership than the religious identities of candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Adebayo argued that voters are looking for leaders with integrity and the capacity to govern, rather than those chosen on the basis of religious balancing.

According to him, the administration of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima has shown that religion alone cannot determine the quality of leadership. He described the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket as a “zero-zero ticket,” saying it had failed to meet the expectations of many Nigerians.

Adebayo maintained that Islamic teachings place greater emphasis on justice than on the religious identity of political leaders. He said Muslims who participate in politics are expected to pursue fairness and good governance, adding that Islamic jurisprudence provides clear principles for leadership beyond faith.

“The issue is not whether a leader is a Muslim or a Christian. What matters is whether that leader is just and capable of delivering good governance,” he said.

The SDP flagbearer also alleged that his party has faced repeated challenges under the current administration, claiming it is one of the most disadvantaged political parties in the country.

He disclosed that the party encountered technical and administrative hurdles during preparations for the 2027 elections. According to Adebayo, although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued the SDP with a portal access code on June 26 to upload its candidates, the code reportedly remained inactive until July 8.

He said the party was forced to rely on the extended submission deadline to complete the nomination process after several unsuccessful attempts, adding that the SDP had also been preparing legal action over what it considers obstacles placed in its path.