Adebayo, who was the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general elections and has declared his intention to contest again in 2027, made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television aired on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Speaking on the role of citizens in safeguarding democracy, Adebayo said, “The custodians of democracy are the people themselves.”
He noted that challenges facing democratic governance stem largely from how authority is exercised, adding, “If there is any threat to democracy at all, it has to be the way the governance is being done.”
According to him, current governance practices have distanced citizens from their rights, stating that, “The government of the day has been alienating the people in terms of social, economic, and political rights.”
Adebayo emphasized accountability and enforcement of the law, asserting, “And efforts should be made to punish anyone who violates the law.”
Addressing calls or sentiments in favor of military intervention, he expressed firm opposition, saying, “I have zero sympathy for any person who is looking for a military coup.”
He extended the same condemnation to electoral malpractice, noting, “I have zero sympathy for anyone who is rigging elections, because they are equal.”
Drawing a comparison between unconstitutional seizures of power, Adebayo said, “You rig elections to come to power, and you use the force of arm to seize power, both of you are felons.”
He added, “Both of you are guilty of crimes against the state.” Reaffirming his stance, he stated, “So, if I’m condemning vote rigging, I will even, on a louder voice, condemn a military coup or any unconstitutional access to power.”
Adebayo identified accountable governance as central to democratic stability, saying, “But the guarantor of sustainable democracy is an open system with an accountable government that is responsible, that’s operating within the rule of law.”
He cautioned against relying solely on punitive measures, adding, “You can court martial as many people as possible until the people are happy. With democracy cannot be guaranteed.”
Turning to the upcoming elections, Adebayo said, “And the duty we owe now in the coming election is to eliminate the possibility that Nigerians can admire anything regarding coup d’etat.”
He referenced his personal background, stating, “Because I grew up with the military, and there is nothing good about military coup or military government.”
While acknowledging civilian rule, he warned against assuming its democratic nature automatically, saying, “However, a civilian government is not automatically democratic unless it abides by the Constitution and implements Chapter 2 of the Constitution, Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy.”
He concluded by stressing public service, noting, “And those who are in government are servants of the people, not people who are preferring the wealth of the country and rendering the rest of Nigeria destitute and hoping that they can wrap themselves in the garb of, I was elected, therefore I’m untouchable.”
0 Comments