Queen Lilian Adebayo, the devoted wife of Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) aspiring presidential candidate for the 2027 Nigerian general elections, has publicly and unequivocally endorsed her husband’s political ambitions. In a candid and heartfelt interview conducted with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in the nation’s capital, Abuja, she articulated her unwavering belief in his leadership potential and his lifelong dedication to the SDP. Her statements not only highlight the personal dynamics within their family but also underscore broader themes of political loyalty, party resilience, and the urgent need for transformative governance in Nigeria.
Queen Lilian’s endorsement comes at a pivotal moment as Nigeria grapples with persistent socioeconomic challenges, including inflation, insecurity, and youth unemployment. She praised her husband’s extraordinary consistency and loyalty to the SDP, a party he joined in 1991 at the tender age of 19. “My husband, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has been a member of the SDP since he was 19 years old,” she recounted with evident pride. Over the decades, Prince Adebayo, a seasoned lawyer by profession, has resisted numerous temptations to defect to more prominent parties, such as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which has dominated Nigerian politics in various eras. Instead, he has remained steadfast, rooted in the SDP’s ideological foundations of social democracy, equity, and grassroots empowerment.
Describing him as a “loyal party man, a visionary leader,” Queen Lilian emphasized his unyielding commitment to his political beliefs. This loyalty, she argued, sets him apart in a political landscape often marred by opportunism and frequent party-switching. Prince Adebayo’s journey within the SDP includes contesting the 2023 presidential election, where he emerged as a credible alternative voice, advocating for policies centered on economic restructuring, youth inclusion, and anti-corruption measures. Although he did not secure the presidency in 2023, his performance garnered respect among observers who viewed him as a principled outsider challenging the entrenched duopoly of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP.
Queen Lilian expressed profound confidence in her husband’s qualifications to steer Nigeria toward progress. She asserted that his extensive experience in law, politics, and public service, combined with his determination, positions him uniquely to address the nation’s multifaceted crises. “He believes in the party’s ideology and has never wavered in his commitment,” she reiterated, highlighting how this ideological purity could translate into effective national leadership.
Turning to the SDP itself, Queen Lilian acknowledged the inevitable internal challenges that plague all political parties in Nigeria’s vibrant yet fractious democracy. From leadership tussles to ideological rifts, the SDP has not been immune. However, she distinguished her party by noting its propensity for resolving conflicts through dialogue and unity. “Like every other political party, SDP has had its share of challenges, but the difference is that our party always finds a way to resolve issues amicably. There’s peace and understanding, and that gives me confidence that SDP will remain strong ahead of 2027,” she explained. This internal cohesion, in her view, fortifies the party’s readiness for the upcoming electoral battle, potentially positioning it as a viable third force in a contest traditionally dominated by the APC and PDP.
Her optimism extended to Prince Adebayo’s electoral prospects in 2027. She contended that Nigeria stands at a crossroads, desperately requiring “fresh, credible, and youthful leadership.” At a time when many Nigerians express disillusionment with recycled politicians and unfulfilled promises, Queen Lilian called for introspection among the electorate. “I believe he has a great chance if Nigerians are honest with themselves. We have had leaders come and go, yet the country remains the same. Nigerians need to stop deceiving themselves and choose someone who is capable, young, and ready to work for the good of the nation,” she urged passionately.
She advocated for voting based on tangible performance and forward-thinking vision rather than sentimental attachments, ethnic considerations, or the advantages of incumbency. Even in a scenario where Prince Adebayo faces a sitting president seeking re-election—a daunting prospect given Nigeria’s history of incumbent victories—Queen Lilian remained resolute. “Even against a sitting president seeking re-election, I believe my husband can win if Nigerians are truthful. We are not better off than we were before, so Nigerians must be honest about what they want. It’s time to vote for progress, not promises,” she declared, echoing a growing sentiment among civil society groups and youth movements for merit-based leadership.
Beyond her husband’s candidacy, Queen Lilian addressed the critical issue of women’s participation in Nigerian politics, an area where the country lags significantly despite constitutional guarantees of equality. She lamented the male dominance in decision-making processes and called for increased female representation to infuse governance with compassion, balance, and emotional intelligence. “Women need more representation in politics. Men often dominate decision-making, but if they truly want national progress, they must allow more women to participate. Women are kind-hearted and govern with empathy, qualities our nation needs right now,” she stated. Her words resonate with global advocacy for gender parity, as seen in initiatives by the United Nations and local organizations like the Nigerian Women Trust Fund.
Countering a common stereotype that women in politics undermine each other, Queen Lilian firmly rejected this notion. She attributed such divisions primarily to external interference by men. “I don’t think women naturally oppose one another. It’s men who often stir conflict among women. If left alone, women would stand together and support each other. I always support women in leadership because I believe in their strength and vision,” she countered. This perspective aligns with feminist critiques in Nigerian political discourse, where patriarchal structures are often blamed for pitting women against one another to maintain male hegemony.
On a personal note, Queen Lilian shared her elation over a recent award bestowed upon her, recognizing her tireless contributions to social causes and women’s empowerment. “It’s a great honour for me,” she said modestly. “It inspires me to continue advocating for women and contributing to national development.” This accolade serves as a testament to her own influence beyond the shadow of her husband’s political career, positioning her as a role model for aspiring female leaders.
For context, NAN recalled that Prince Adewole Adebayo is a longstanding SDP member with a legal background. His 2023 presidential bid, though unsuccessful in terms of votes, amplified the party’s visibility and critiqued the status quo. He is widely expected to formally announce his 2027 candidacy soon, potentially galvanizing support from disillusioned voters across the federation.
In summary, Queen Lilian Adebayo’s interview encapsulates a narrative of hope, loyalty, and reform. Her endorsement not only bolsters Prince Adebayo’s campaign but also ignites conversations on party fidelity, gender equity, and electoral integrity as Nigeria approaches another defining election cycle. With her eloquent advocacy, she emerges as a pivotal figure in the SDP’s resurgence, urging the nation to embrace change for a prosperous future. As 2027 looms, her words may well inspire a shift in voter consciousness, prioritizing competence over convention.
