Nigeria: Adebayo most suitable for job of president – Supporters

Supporters of presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, have defended his suitability for the job of president, saying that competence in leadership should be measured by performance and integrity rather than prior experience in elective office.

The Chief Communication Adviser Prince Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council, Comrade Mark Adebayo, who stated this at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, argued that political experience alone did not guarantee effective leadership.

Mark hinged his claim on what he called “a rigorous comparison of intellect, preparedness, unblemished integrity, track records, and political will, contending that his principal “Prince Adebayo and the SDP represent the true third force that millions of Nigerians have been crying out for.”

He said, “No other candidate possesses that level of humility – inspite of his (Adebayo’s) sophisticated intellectual profile – and commitment to the country.

“He is definitely a clear alternative to the “Siamese Twins”. The major political factions in Nigeria have proven to be two sides of the same coin, leaving the country politically lifeless. Prince Adebayo and the SDP represent the true third force that millions of Nigerians have been crying out for.

“That is why we are here today to declare boldly, and with absolute facts, that Prince Adewole Adebayo is the best choice among all presidential candidates in Nigeria of today and we will tell you why.”

He urged Nigerians to examine what former political office holders achieved with the opportunities they were given rather than merely counting years spent in government.

According to him, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other past leaders after him did not translate their  previous experiences in office into good governance or national development.

Defending Adebayo’s credentials, he described him as an international statesman who served as a commissioner on Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2006, an assignment he said was backed by the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

On allegations concerning unpaid salaries at Captain TV, the spokesman dismissed the claims as unverified and speculative, noting that representatives of the organisation were present at the event and never complained of lack of remuneration.

He cited Adebayo’s philanthropic activities when he sponsored about 3,000 students on full scholarships and built successful business interests both within and outside Nigeria.

“Adeboye is not poor. He is a wealthy man with business interests in Nigeria and internationally. He has also undertaken construction projects for governments in different parts of the world,” he said.

Adebayo’s Chief Communication Adviser maintained that Adebayo’s record in business, philanthropy and international engagements demonstrated his capacity to provide leadership despite not having previously occupied major elective office.

The remarks came amid growing debate over the qualifications, experience and leadership credentials of leading presidential candidates positioning themselves  for the 2027 presidential elections.