The Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, has described its 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, as the nation’s pride and a proud emblem of his generation.
Gombe stated this in a goodwill message yesterday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, to mark the 54th birthday of the party’s former standard bearer.
The party expressed gratitude to God for the gift of Adebayo to mankind and to the country at this season.
It noted that the media entrepreneur’s “uncommon depth, fecund mind, and noble character – attributes” are widely celebrated by millions within and outside the country.
The statement reads: “Prince Adewole Adebayo’s vision for a better Nigeria, his commitment and contributions towards building a good Nigerian society, and making life truly meaningful for all, irrespective of class, status, or creed, are worthy of national recognition and celebration by all true lovers of Nigeria who mean well for our country.
“As he adds another year to his eminent and impactful life, we encourage him to remain focused and undeterred in his mission of making our nation great again.”
Also in a statement yesterday in Abuja, the Chairman of SDP Forum of State Chairmen, Femi Ferrari Olaniyi, described the former SDP standard bearer as a visionary leader whose life reflects selfless service, commitment to national development, and a deep passion for justice and unity.
He said the celebration was not merely for marking another year, but an honour for a lifetime of dedication to the Nigerian people.
Olaniyi said Adebayo’s leadership qualities and unwavering devotion to democratic ideals continued to inspire party members and citizens across the country.
The forum’s chairmen prayed for God’s continued guidance, strength, and good health for the party’s former presidential candidate as he continues to serve the nation.
…leaders across party lines paid tributes to the late senator
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has described the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki as a devastating loss to Nigeria, Nasarawa State, and the opposition.
Adebayo made the remark on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while receiving the remains of the late lawmaker alongside party leaders across political divides and members of the Akwashiki family.
Senator Akwashiki, 52, represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He died on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at a hospital in India.
Speaking at the solemn reception, the former SDP standard bearer said the senator’s death was not only a setback for the party but also a serious loss to the quality of legislation and political discourse in the country. He described Akwashiki as one of the strongest voices within both the SDP and the National Assembly.
Adebayo noted that the presence of leaders across party lines, including former governors and senior legislators, reflected the late senator’s influence beyond partisan politics. He prayed for the repose of Akwashiki’s soul and asked God to grant his family, the Eggon Nation, Nasarawa State, and Nigerians the fortitude to bear the loss.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau described the senator’s death as a great loss to the state and the nation, noting that his contributions to good governance and development were outstanding.
Jatau recalled serving with Akwashiki in the state legislature between 2011 and 2015, adding that the late lawmaker later returned to the House as Deputy Speaker.
He also noted that Akwashiki made history as the first person from the Nasarawa North Senatorial Zone to be elected twice to the Senate, describing him as a dedicated and performing legislator.
According to the Speaker, the loss was particularly painful for young people who looked up to the late senator as a mentor and leader.
Eulogising Akwashiki, the Acting National Chairman of the SDP, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, said the senator’s death had created an irreparable loss for the party, Nasarawa State, and the nation. He described the late lawmaker as a committed party man and a strong pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.
Gombe added that the presence of political leaders from different parties at the ceremony underscored the senator’s cross-party appeal, stressing that his death was a national loss.
Prominent figures at the event included the Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi-Gaza, federal and state lawmakers, SDP leaders, as well as community and traditional leaders from the Eggon Nation.
The remains of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki were later deposited at the National Hospital, Abuja.
No fewer than 5,000 runners and fitness enthusiasts from across Nigeria and the diaspora have participated in the 2nd edition of the Prince Adewole Adebayo Christmas Marathon held yesterday in Ondo City, Ondo State.
The marathon, organised by Prince Adewole Adebayo and his wife, Queen Lillian Adebayo, featured a Health Walk and followed a scenic 15-kilometre route through major landmarks in the ancient city, including markets, historic sites and residential neighbourhoods.
At the end of the race, 17-year-old Gang James Boyi emerged winner in the men’s category, followed by Francis James (18) and Musa Bala (19), all from Plateau State.
In the women’s category, Blessing Solomon Shambor (23), also from Plateau State, clinched first place, while Agofure Charity (27) from Ondo State came second and Akanbi Aderonke (21) from Ogun State finished third.
The winner received N2 million, the runner-up N1 million, while the third-place finisher got N500,000. Other participants received N100,000 each.
Speaking at the event, Prince Adebayo, a former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the 2023 general election, said the marathon was created to give people purpose, build stamina, and foster collective discipline.
He explained that the initiative goes beyond running, noting his broader interest in sports development, including football, basketball, boxing, wrestling, and swimming.
“A marathon is a project. You have to prepare for it, compete with others, and endure. These are the same qualities needed to succeed individually and collectively as a country, and just as individuals are running their races, countries are also running their races. Development itself is a marathon,” Adebayo stated.
“Today is for marathon. Other days are for other sports. What we want is to instil sportsmanship – discipline, purpose, and endurance. A country of sports people will be an active country. Sports is the foundation of good health, strong character, and even national strength,”
According to him, encouraging young people to train consistently for long-term goals, such as preparing for a marathon a year ahead, helps to build character, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
Prince Adebayo also highlighted Ondo City’s favourable topography for long-distance running, noting that its elevation compares well with many renowned marathon regions globally.
He said plans are underway to grow the marathon into an internationally recognised event.
“The goal is to put it firmly on the calendar so people can plan for it every year. Consistency is key. This year, the organisers improved on the route mapping, distance, and certification.
“Over time, we want it to become an internationally acclaimed marathon, just like those in other countries,” he said.
The SDP presidential candidate added that marathon running attracts professionals from all walks of life – including doctors, lawyers and business leaders.
He further noted that special attention is being given to youth participation, as younger runners often require more support and encouragement.
“Marathon running is not for beginners. It is for experienced and determined runners. You don’t start your running career with a marathon, but it is a sport that rewards discipline, focus, and endurance,” Adebayo said.
Earlier, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, lauded Prince and Queen Lillian Adebayo for introducing the initiative, describing it as an annual, inclusive fitness and community-building event.
Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, urged governments at all levels to embrace sporting activities, particularly marathon races, as tools for national unity.
“We have had a bigger and better road race in Ondo. Let me thank Prince and Queen Lillian for introducing the health walk today. And I’m the only person who participated in both events, both the head walk and the race.
“If Nigeria could do this in 774 local governments, there would probably not be room for Boko Haram because everybody will be running marathons.
“They won’t have time to become terrorists but you know, Nigerians don’t even have leaders that think the way they should think, and that is what all of us on this podium hope to change.
“By the time we are doing this race next year, in 2026 December, we’ll be just a few weeks to the general election, and you’ll feel it here,” Sowore added.
Also speaking, former Minister of Power and Steel and former Minister of State for Defence (Navy), Dr Olu Agunloye, who served as National Commissioner of the Planning Committee, commended the organisers for sustaining an initiative that blends health, unity and youth empowerment.
…Sowore, Agunloye, other run for fitness, preach sport to unite Nigerians
…As plateau state runners emerge winners of N3.5M cash rewards
No fewer than 5,000 runners and fitness enthusiasts from across Nigeria and the diaspora took part in the second edition of the Prince Adewole Adebayo Christmas Marathon on Sunday in Ondo City, Ondo State.
Organised by Prince Adewole Adebayo and his wife, Queen Lillian Adebayo, the event included a Health Walk and covered a scenic 15-kilometre route through the city’s major landmarks, including markets, historic sites, and residential areas.
According to reports, the marathon is a festive community fitness programme designed to promote healthy living, unity, and endurance.
Speaking at the event, Prince Adebayo, the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, said the marathon aims to give participants purpose, build stamina, and foster collective discipline.
He added that the initiative extends beyond running, reflecting his broader interest in sports development, including football, basketball, boxing, wrestling, and swimming.
“A marathon is a project. You have to prepare for it, compete with others, and endure. These are the same qualities needed to succeed individually and collectively as a country, and just as individuals are running their races, countries are also running their races. Development itself is a marathon
“Today is for marathon. Other days are for other sports. What we want is to instil sportsmanship – discipline, purpose, and endurance. A country of sports people will be an active country. Sports is the foundation of good health, strong character, and even national strength,” Adebayo stated.
According to him, encouraging young people to train consistently for long-term goals, such as preparing for a marathon a year ahead, helps to build character, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
Prince Adebayo also highlighted Ondo City’s favourable topography for long-distance running, noting that its elevation compares well with many renowned marathon regions globally.
He said plans are underway to grow the marathon into an internationally recognised event.
“The goal is to put it firmly on the calendar so people can plan for it every year. Consistency is key. This year, the organisers improved on the route mapping, distance, and certification.
“Over time, we want it to become an internationally acclaimed marathon, just like those in other countries,” he said.
The SDP presidential candidate added that marathon running attracts professionals from all walks of life – including doctors, lawyers and business leaders.
He further noted that special attention is being given to youth participation, as younger runners often require more support and encouragement.
“Marathon running is not for beginners. It is for experienced and determined runners. You don’t start your running career with a marathon, but it is a sport that rewards discipline, focus, and endurance,” Adebayo said.
Earlier, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, lauded Prince and Queen Lillian Adebayo for introducing the initiative, describing it as an annual, inclusive fitness and community-building event.
Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, urged governments at all levels to embrace sporting activities, particularly marathon races, as tools for national unity.
“We have had a bigger and better road race in Ondo. Let me thank Prince and Queen Lillian for introducing the health walk today. And I’m the only person who participated in both events, both the head walk and the race.
“If Nigeria could do this in 774 local governments, there would probably not be room for Boko Haram because everybody will be running marathons.
“They won’t have time to become terrorists but you know, Nigerians don’t even have leaders that think the way they should think, and that is what all of us on this podium hope to change.
“By the time we are doing this race next year, in 2026 December, we’ll be just a few weeks to the general election, and you’ll feel it here,” Sowore added.
Also speaking, former Minister of Power and Steel and former Minister of State for Defence (Navy), Dr Olu Agunloye, who served as National Commissioner of the Planning Committee, commended the organisers for sustaining an initiative that blends health, unity and youth empowerment.
At the end of the race, 17-year-old Gang James Boyi emerged winner in the men’s category, followed by Francis James (18) and Musa Bala (19), all from Plateau State.
In the women’s category, Blessing Solomon Shambor (23), also from Plateau State, clinched first place, while Agofure Charity (27) from Ondo State came second and Akanbi Aderonke (21) from Ogun State finished third.
The winner received N2 million, the runner-up N1 million, while the third-place finisher got N500,000. Other participants received N100,000 each.
Former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has tasked northern apex socio-cultural group – Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and elders from the region to help rebuild a sense of unity and purpose across the country.
He also charged them to rally the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adebayo spoke on Wednesday during a courtesy visit with a delegation of SDP loyalists to the ACF Secretariat in Abuja.
The former presidential hopeful said his visit to ACF was not driven by partisanship but patriotism, urged the body to use its “soft power” to reorient the country’s political discourse, insisting that Nigeria’s challenges must be addressed through inclusiveness and accountability rather than ethnicity or religion.
According to him: “There are three broad issues I want us to remember about this visit. First, the place of the North in the destiny of Nigeria. Northern Nigeria is not for foreigners alone; it is the crown jewel of the Nigerian state. If there’s a private state of Nigeria, it’s in Northern Nigeria. The journey to nationhood started in 1914; it is now 111 years old. There’s no excuse for pretending that there is a U-turn anywhere. There’s no reverse gear in the vehicle of Nigeria. It’s like a train; there’s no reverse gear.”
He reminded his host: “The first thing is to know that we started with one North, one people under the NPC. For the Second Republic, God helped us, and we became one nation, one destiny. But the present politics is making it look like every man for himself. That is the point at which we want the Northern elders, the ACF, to take a critical look at using the soft power of your institution to ensure that the conversation we have in this country can build it properly.”
He lamented that Nigeria had abandoned its early culture of development planning for “episodic governance,” adding that many projects conceived decades ago — such as the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, major dams, and highways — remain uncompleted.
“If we understand the North well in politics, and if the North understands us, we would have solved the majority of Nigeria’s problems.
“Today, the majority of the killings are taking place in the North. Religion is now influencing careers and even humanitarian responses,” he said.
Commending Adebayo’s patriotism and clarity of thought, ACF Board of Trustees Chairman, Bashir Dalhatu, said the forum shared many of his views.
“Your desire for nation-building is well known. I am amazed at how many points you’ve mentioned that I share completely. Nigeria needs people who think in a united manner,” he said.
Dalhatu argued that despite the non-partisan stand of the forum, it is open to engagement with politicians who share its vision for unity and development.
“No group alone can solve Nigeria’s problems. We need to cooperate with those who can assist the country. Our doors are open, transparent, and want to consolidate brotherhood across Nigeria,” he added.
Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has warned against allowing foreign interest or intervention to further fracture the fragile unity currently being enjoyed in the country.
He spoke on Tuesday at the one-day National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, with the theme, “Critical Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027, organised by Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) in Abuja.
Reacting to the recent threat of invasion by American President Donald Trump over an alleged religious genocide in the country, Adebayo cautioned that international attention on the country should not be weaponised into sectarian arguments.
According to him, “We must not use the Trump intervention as a basis to litigate our hatred for each other,” he said, urging that any external assistance must be applied impartially for all Nigerians.
Adebayo then commended civil society groups and labour unions for keeping democratic conversations alive despite setbacks. He warned that democracy is an ongoing school: “It is one exam you will never pass. If you pass an exam in democracy, you are only entitled to the next exam.”
He appealed for unity across religious and ethnic divides to tackle insecurity and deepen democratic reforms.
Adeboyo then urged Nigerians to “put fire to the feet of our government to protect us,” and to be thankful for international attention while insisting that sustainable solutions must be homegrown.
Underscoring the need for electoral reforms, the former SDP flagbearer argued that if we fail to embrace reform, the country’s electoral system, and by extension, the democratic values, may be deformed.
He identified impediments that make electoral reform difficult: a political class that treats office as a social safety net, a disenfranchised youth with few economic opportunities, identity-driven politics based on region and religion, and weak, principle-less political parties.
He said, “Before you can reform INEC, you must reform the political parties,” arguing that parties are “the factory from which you train leaders.”
Adebayo also stressed the need for sustained citizen participation in electoral processes at all levels, from the national to the grassroots, by ensuring that results at elections are counted and announced honestly.
“If you come out en masse, nobody will write any result. Nobody will take away the result sheet,” he said, describing mass civic vigilance as the single most effective deterrent to electoral theft.
Former presidential candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has expressed his condolence over the death of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari
In his verified X (former Twitter) platform, Adebayo, the leader of the party, prayed for the repose of the soul of the former president.
He said: “ I profoundly mourn the passing of our former President and General, Muhammad Buhari GCFR, who died today (yesterday) in London, UK. I offer prayers of comfort to his family and all Nigerians. I pray for Allah SWT to forgive him all his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, Ameen Summa Ameen.
The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 presidential election, Prince Adewole Adebayo has declared that politicians who are defecting from the opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are government’s tools to dampen the spirit of the opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
He noted that many of them did not join opposition by choice, stressing that those who joined by choice can never defect to the ruling party without tangible progress on ground.
He said: “The so called defections are sometimes coming out of the closet of people claiming to be opposition because they have been compulsorily retired into opposition, not by choice. When you choose to be in opposition by choice, you have access to the ruling party but you just don’t agree with them, and the reasons for that are well articulated, which has to do with the interest of the Nigerian people.
The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the 2023 presidential election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has charged the Federal Government to moderate the management of taxation and imposition of levies so that there would be disposable income to use in developing the country.
He handed down the charge while speaking in Lagos at the 2024 annual dinner and awards of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, where he was a special guest of honour.
He said it was a false narrative that higher revenue through taxation meant development. “No. It does not. Taxation is one of the major ways the government is funded. Tax is a government function.
“Revenue is one of the functions of taxation. The taxpayer is like a blood donor. You don’t drain all the blood in his body. Otherwise, he will die. Moderate the management of taxation and imposition of levies so that there would be disposable income to use in developing the country.”
Adebayo emphasized that taxation must be used to foster development and distribute wealth from those who have too much to those who don’t, so as to train the next generation of taxpayers by getting education and social services. A good taxation system, according to him, should encourage business growth, which automatically brings about employment, increased productivity and ultimately increased level of taxation in the country.
“A society that has a good tax system will have hard-working citizens because the real wealth of a country is when people work hard enough and then spare some contributions to society.
“Taxation is the foundation of any economy, and Nigeria is not an exception.
In his short speech, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who was the special guest of honour, said no society and government succeeds without taxation. “Any country that closes its eyes to taxation is doomed. Countries exist without oil or other natural resources except through taxation and they fare better than some countries with mineral resources. That was where we started, and that is where we will return,” he stated.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has said Nigeria needs to rebuild its military institutions to effectively protect democracy, lives and property.
Adebayo spoke at a public presentation of a book, titled: Nine Lives: The Bello-Fadile Memoirs, authored by a retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army, Babatunde Bello-Fadile, at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre on Monday in Abuja.
The SDP stalwart noted that the problem of insecurity across the country could be traced to institutional deficiencies and indiscipline among those saddled with the responsibilities of steering the wheel of state.
The former presidential candidate, who recommended the book for students of history, announced the immediate purchase of 1,000 copies that would be distributed to military schools, formations and institutions of higher learning across the country.
He said aside rebuilding the military institutions, Nigeria also needs to rebuild its civil service, justice system and the industrial sector.
“We must encourage the rebuilding of four institutions, and four of them need to be rebuilt immediately.
“We need to rebuild our military. We need to rebuild our civil service. We need to rebuild our justice system and we need to rebuild our industrial sector.
“In an era where modern challenges are timeless, we need to build these institutions. And to build them, you need to find your way to extract who will say, ‘I dedicate my entire life to one of these four institutions,’ like retired Colonel Bello-Fadile,” Adebayo said.
The SDP stalwart maintained that most of the historical achievements the country recorded could directly or indirectly be traced to the military, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
He said: “Some of the best brains in the country were officers, well-trained as military personnel and other professionals, like retired Colonel Bello-Fadile, who is wearing two caps.
“Today in Nigeria, there are hard questions of national identity and national unity. The military is the one keeping these two. So, it is important we know that we cannot do without the military.”
Adebayo was the book presenter at the event while a former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, was the chairman.
Other dignitaries at the event included former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Martin Luther Agwai; General Alkali Kashim; former Senate President David Mark; former Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN); former Attorney General opf the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN); former Rivers State Commissioner for Justice, O. C. J. Okocha (SAN), a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) across five states, Ahmed Raji (SAN); former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Maurice Iwu, and former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd.).
