“We won’t be changed by new members—we intend to change them,” says 2023 presidential candidate
The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has issued a firm warning to political defectors joining the party: respect the party’s values or stay away.
Appearing on News Central’s breakfast show on Monday, Adebayo emphasized that while the SDP is open to new entrants, it will not tolerate behaviors imported from other political parties.
“We welcome new members,” he said, “but we tell them what our party stands for. All those shenanigans you did in your previous party—don’t bring them here.”
He explained that SDP structures across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been directed to educate incoming members on the party’s ideology, regardless of their political or social status.
“We spend a lot of time educating our members. Don’t suddenly get used to money you didn’t ask for or didn’t work for. Don’t pick up bad habits like creating fake structures, unlawful registrations, or promoting ethnic division,” he stated.
Adebayo described how some defectors attempt to influence party activities with money and material offers.
“When they come and say, ‘we want to move into a bigger secretariat or buy this and that,’ our people often respond, ‘No, that’s not what we need. Keep your money to yourself.’”
He referenced a recent press conference by SDP state chairmen where they collectively urged new members to align with the party’s ideology and avoid imposing external political behavior.
“We don’t want them to come and change us. We want to change them. We don’t want to be used for interests that do not benefit the people,” Adebayo said.
He also pointed to a speech delivered at his wife’s recent 50th birthday celebration, which gained traction online. In it, he criticized those defecting from other parties after failed personal ambitions.
“If you were a former supporter of President Tinubu and had conspiracies against the people in exchange for promised rewards—and didn’t get them—that is not a reason to join the SDP. And if you do, don’t tell us about it—we’re not interested,” he stated.
