By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Queen Lilian Adebayo, wife of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential hopeful, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has declared her full support for his 2027 presidential ambition.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, she said her husband had demonstrated rare consistency and loyalty to the SDP since joining the party in 1991.
She described her husband as a loyal party man, a visionary leader, and one who has remained consistent in his political beliefs.
Queen Lilian expressed confidence that Prince Adebayo possessed the experience and determination needed to lead Nigeria to progress if elected president.
“My husband, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has been a member of the SDP since he was 19 years old.
“He has had several opportunities to join other political parties, including the PDP, but he chose to remain in the SDP.
“He believes in the party’s ideology and has never wavered in his commitment,” she said.
She said the SDP, in spite facing internal challenges like other political parties, had always managed to resolve its 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”.
Queen Lilian expressed optimism about her husband’s chances in the forthcoming election, saying Nigeria was in need of fresh, credible, and youthful leadership.
“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 Nigerians to vote based on performance and vision rather than political sentiment or incumbency advantage.
“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”.
On women’s participation in politics, Queen Lilian called for greater female representation in governance, noting that women bring compassion, balance, and emotional intelligence to leadership.
“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”.
Responding to claims that women often fail to support one another in politics, she disagreed, saying men were largely responsible for fuelling divisions among women.
“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”.
Queen Lilian also expressed delight at a recent award she received, describing it as recognition of her contributions to social causes and women’s empowerment.
“It’s a great honour for me,” she said. “It inspires me to continue advocating for women and contributing to national development.”
NAN recalls that Prince Adewole Adebayo, a lawyer and long-time member of the SDP, contested the 2023 presidential election and is expected to formally declare his intention to run again in 2027. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
