SDP chieftain Adewole Adebayo claims Tinubu’s politics relies on snatching power, not asking for it, amid controversy over the Electoral Act 2026
Adewole Adebayo, a chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has claimed that President Bola Tinubu’s political approach prioritises “snatching power” rather than seeking a popular mandate.
Also read: Oyo Tribunal Dismisses SDP Petition Against PDP Victory
The SDP leader was responding to questions regarding the recently signed Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026, which President Tinubu enacted into law within 24 hours of its passage by the National Assembly.
The legislation retains manual collation as a backup while allowing electronic transmission of election results.
Adebayo said, “Tinubu believes that in their own school of politics you don’t go to the people to ask for power. You are wasting your time. People like us who go to the people and campaign, we are wasting our time. He believes you grab the power, snatch it and run away with it. That’s what he believes.”
Describing the new Electoral Act as “legislative snatching of power,” Adebayo added that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has created “another shadow of doubt in the minds of voters,” making it necessary for opposition parties to reinforce voter confidence ahead of upcoming elections.
The SDP chieftain further stated, “We are still going to defeat Tinubu in this country and defeat the ruling APC, handsomely.”
Also read: Supreme Court Affirms SDP Autonomy, Warns INEC Against Interference
The controversy surrounding the Electoral Act has heightened debate over Nigeria’s electoral process, with critics warning that rapid enactment and structural changes could influence voter perceptions and the credibility of future elections.
