2027: El-Buba Abandons Obi Camp, Throws Weight Behind Adebayo

In a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 presidential election, influential cleric and Convener of the Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria, Prophet Isa El-Buba, has publicly declared support for the presidential ambition of Prince Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), warning that Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party state if opposition forces fail to rally around credible alternatives.
El-Buba made the declaration during a gathering of SDP delegates, party leaders and supporters in Bauchi State, where he described Adebayo’s candidacy as a vehicle for national renewal and democratic rebirth.
His endorsement is being viewed by political observers as a notable shift in the country’s opposition landscape, given his previous alignment with Peter Obi and the broader movement that emerged around the 2023 presidential election.
Addressing party faithful, youth groups and stakeholders, the cleric said Nigeria has reached a critical crossroads and requires leadership founded on justice, competence and national inclusion rather than political dominance and elite interests.
According to him, the worsening economic hardship, insecurity and social discontent across the country demand a new political direction capable of restoring public confidence in governance.
“Nigeria is blessed with enormous human and natural resources, yet millions of citizens continue to battle insecurity, unemployment, poverty and hopelessness,” he said.
“We cannot continue on the same path and expect different results. This is the time for Nigerians of goodwill to come together and rewrite the story of our nation.”
El-Buba’s strongest message, however, was directed at what he described as growing attempts to weaken democratic competition and consolidate political power within a single dominant structure.
Without mentioning any party directly, he warned that democracy flourishes only when opposition voices remain strong and citizens are presented with genuine political choices.
“Nigeria cannot afford to become a one-party state,” he declared.
“Every stable society is built on justice, fairness and accountability. Once those values are threatened, democracy itself comes under threat. Oppression has never produced lasting peace, and injustice has never produced national unity.”
The cleric argued that the country’s future depends on strengthening democratic institutions rather than concentrating power, adding that opposition parties have a responsibility to provide Nigerians with credible alternatives.
Throwing his support behind Adebayo, El-Buba said the SDP candidate represents a different brand of politics focused on rebuilding institutions, restoring trust in government and addressing the fundamental challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.
He urged citizens to evaluate political leaders based on competence, character and vision rather than ethnicity, religion or material inducements.
According to him, Nigerians have become more politically conscious and are increasingly unwilling to exchange their future for temporary benefits during election seasons.
“The Nigerian people are wiser today. The era when citizens could easily be swayed by inducements is fading away,” he said.
“Nigerians are looking for leadership that can restore dignity, create opportunities and inspire confidence in the future.”
El-Buba also expressed optimism that the country is approaching a decisive political moment, one that could either deepen existing challenges or open a new chapter of national transformation.
He called on Nigerians across political, religious and ethnic divides to unite around the values of justice, equity and accountability, insisting that sustainable development can only thrive where citizens trust their leaders and institutions.
The cleric concluded by urging supporters of a “new Nigeria” to remain engaged in the democratic process and resist any attempt to undermine pluralism or weaken democratic competition.
As political alignments begin to take shape ahead of 2027, El-Buba’s endorsement of Adebayo is expected to add fresh momentum to conversations about opposition politics, coalition-building and the future direction of Nigeria’s democracy.