Issue No 8
Prince Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Nigeria’s 2023 elections, recently made a statement on a popular television programme, drawing a contrast between the SDP and the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). He remarked:
“We are not like UPN, where Awolowo will be
the permanent presidential candidate and others cannot join.”
This
assertion is not only a misrepresentation of history but also a misplaced
attempt to equate himself and his party with Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the UPN.
Given the weight of Awolowo’s political legacy and the ideological foundation
of the UPN, Adebayo’s comparison deserves a robust analysis.
1.
The Genesis and Ideological Foundations of UPN and SDP
The
Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) was founded in 1978 by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a
political colossus renowned for his visionary leadership, ideological clarity,
and commitment to social welfare policies. The UPN was built on the ideological
pillars of free education, free healthcare, integrated rural development, full
employment, and mass-oriented politics (Ajayi, 1981). It was a party deeply
rooted in progressive welfarism and anchored in the principles of socialism and
developmental democracy (Sklar, 1983).
Conversely,
the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in its current form lacks the ideological
coherence and historical significance of the UPN. The SDP was originally
established during General Ibrahim Babangida’s transition program in the early
1990s, designed as a state-created party with a centrist ideology (Diamond,
1997). The modern SDP, however, has been a fragmented entity, struggling to
establish a clear ideological foundation or national relevance. Unlike the UPN,
which was an organic grassroots movement, today’s SDP operates more as an
electoral platform than a structured ideological movement.
 |
| Chief Obafemi Awolowo |
2.
Awolowo’s Leadership vs. Adebayo’s Position in SDP
Adebayo’s
claim that the UPN was structured around Awolowo as a "permanent
presidential candidate" is an oversimplification that ignores the context
of Nigerian politics at the time. Awolowo’s repeated candidacy (1979 and 1983)
was a function of his unparalleled intellectual leadership, political strategy,
and mass followership. Unlike many politicians of his era, he did not impose
himself on the party but was overwhelmingly drafted by the party leadership and
members, who saw him as the most competent standard-bearer.
In
contrast, Adebayo’s emergence as the SDP presidential candidate in 2023 was not
a product of long-standing political credibility, widespread ideological
support, or a clear developmental blueprint. Unlike Awolowo, who had a
structured, evidence-based policy agenda, Adebayo’s campaign lacked a strong
ideological footing and failed to gain national traction. The attempt to
juxtapose his position within the SDP against Awolowo’s role in the UPN is,
therefore, baseless.
3.
Electoral Performance and Political Impact
Awolowo’s
UPN was a formidable political force in the Second Republic (1979–1983),
winning control of four states in the old Western Region—Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, and
Ogun and Bendel State in the Mid-western region—while performing strongly in Kwara
State (Dudley, 1982). The party’s policies, particularly in education and
healthcare, had tangible developmental impacts, leaving a legacy that still
resonates today.
In
contrast, the SDP in 2023 failed to secure any significant political foothold.
Adebayo’s presidential bid was largely symbolic, with SDP failing to control
any state, win major legislative seats, or establish itself as a serious
contender in national politics. This stark difference in political influence
and governance impact further invalidates any meaningful comparison between UPN
and today’s SDP.
4.
Internal Democracy and Party Structure
Adebayo’s
claim that the UPN was closed to external participation contradicts historical
facts. The UPN was structured with clear leadership principles, party
congresses, and democratic processes that ensured strong internal discipline
(Post & Jenkins, 1973). While Awolowo was the most qualified and widely
accepted leader, the UPN had active participation from other political
heavyweights like Lateef Jakande, Bola Ige, Adekunle Ajasin, Bisi Onabanjo,
Ambrose Alli, MCK Ajuluchkwu, Odia Ofeimu, Ambey Bassey, Tunji Otegbeye, Chia Suma, Phillip Umeadi, Alhaji Bayero etc.; who
were independently popular and administratively competent.
In
contrast, the modern SDP is largely a vehicle for aspirants without deep
political structures. Adebayo himself emerged as the presidential candidate
without significant primary contestation, and the party lacks the ideological
cohesion and organizational depth that defined the UPN. If anything, today’s
SDP is more of a loose electoral arrangement rather than a structured political
movement.
5.
Legacy and Historical Impact
The
ultimate test of a political movement is its legacy. Awolowo’s UPN, despite
operating for only four years before the 1983 military coup, left enduring
policies that shaped governance in the South-West and beyond (Osaghae, 1998).
The free education policy transformed literacy levels, the healthcare programs
improved access to medical care, and the rural development schemes set the
stage for modern infrastructural planning.
The
present-day SDP, however, lacks any comparable impact. It has neither pioneered
any groundbreaking policies nor established itself as a significant political
force. Even during its brief dominance in the 1993 elections, the SDP’s success
was largely a product of Babangida’s political engineering rather than
grassroots political mobilization (Ojo, 2009).
6.
Evaluating Prince Adewole Adebayo's Electoral Influence in the 2023
Presidential Election
In
the 2023 Nigerian presidential election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, representing
the Social Democratic Party (SDP), garnered a total of 80,267 votes nationwide,
positioning him sixth among the 18 presidential candidates. However, specific data for Ondo State
indicates that Adebayo secured 1,293 votes, a notably lower figure compared to
his nationwide tally.
The
disparity between Adebayo's national vote count and his performance in Ondo
State suggests that his support base was more dispersed across various regions
rather than concentrated in his home state. This distribution of votes raises
questions about his influence and appeal within his own constituency. This was
the greatest asset of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Awolowo’s influence in the south
west was electrifying and his followers and supporters were fanatical and
disciplined
Given
these figures, it is evident that Adebayo's electoral impact was limited, both
nationally and within Ondo State. His modest performance indicates that, at the
time of the 2023 election, he was not a significant electoral asset to the SDP.
For
the SDP to enhance its political standing in 2027 elections, a strategic
reassessment is essential. This includes strengthening grassroots support,
refining policy positions to resonate with a broader electorate, and building a
more robust and nationally spread party infrastructure. Such measures are
crucial for the party to increase its competitiveness and achieve more
substantial electoral success in subsequent polls.
While
Prince Adewole Adebayo's participation in the 2023 presidential election
contributed to the democratic process, the SDP must undertake significant
strategic improvements including coalition, to position itself as a formidable
force in Nigeria's political landscape.
Conclusion:
Adebayo’s Misplaced Analogy
Prince
Adewole Adebayo’s attempt to contrast the SDP with the UPN and, by extension,
himself with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is not only historically inaccurate but
also politically presumptuous. Awolowo was a nation-building statesman, a
visionary leader, and a policy innovator, whereas Adebayo is yet to demonstrate
significant political impact or ideological depth.
If
Adebayo aspires to national leadership, he should focus on building a strong
ideological movement, presenting actionable policy solutions, and gaining
public trust, rather than drawing flawed comparisons with political legends. In
Nigerian politics, legitimacy is earned, not assumed. Awolowo's place in
history is secure—Adebayo’s, however, is yet to be written.
This piece serves as a
history lesson for Adebayo and an intellectual correction of his
misrepresentation. If he seeks political relevance, he must create his own
legacy rather than attempting to ride on the name of a true political giant.
Ola
Olateju served as the Secretary of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) for the
Oriowo Zone in Aiyetoro Ward, Bariga Constituency 29, Lagos State, from 1979 to
1983. During this period, he also held the position of National Secretary of the
Awo Vanguard Corps (1982–1983). In the revived Unity Party of Nigeria, he was
the National Organizing Secretary from 2012 to 2015. Additionally, he played a
key role in the 1993 presidential election as the Special Assistant to the
Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate’s Campaign Manager, while
also initiating and coordinating the Hope '93 Mass Organizations.
0 Comments