Ogunkolade Tosin
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr Adewole Adebayo, has urged the media to ensure balanced coverage of political parties and their candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adebayo made the call at a dinner with journalists on Sunday in Abuja, stressing the need for independent, impartial and responsible reporting on issues affecting Nigerians.
He said the media should give adequate attention to insecurity, poverty, corruption and democratic governance while providing different sides an opportunity to present their views.
According to him, fair coverage of political parties and their candidates will enable Nigerians to access diverse opinions and make informed electoral choices.
He urged media organisations to ensure that their coverage did not create the impression that only a few candidates were relevant in presidential elections.
Adebayo said the media and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had important roles in promoting credible elections, adding that responsible reporting was essential to the democratic process.
He also urged media organisations to ensure that commercial interests did not compromise fair coverage of political parties and their programmes.
Reflecting on the SDP’s history, Adebayo recalled the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which the party was widely associated with winning.
He said the experience reinforced the party’s commitment to democratic governance and the right of Nigerians to choose their leaders through credible elections.
Adebayo urged political parties to present clear policy proposals to address the country’s challenges, while the media should provide adequate platforms for public discussion of their manifestos.
The SDP candidate said the party’s vision was anchored on the principle that the primary responsibility of government was to ensure the security and welfare of the people.
He added that the SDP had published its 2027 presidential manifesto, Farewell to Poverty and Insecurity, in English, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, as well as other languages, to make its policies accessible to a wider audience.
The SDP National Chairman, Prof Sadiq Gombe, praised Adebayo for presenting his policy document ahead of the formal campaign season and translating it into several Nigerian languages.
He said, “This is the first time we have a presidential candidate present his policy document long before the campaign season begins. He is also the first candidate to present his manifesto in all Nigerian languages. This includes Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Kanuri, Fulfulde and so on.
“Therefore, we are urging Nigerians to engage, critique and make invaluable contributions. On behalf of the SDP National Executive Committee, National Working Committee, 36 State Chairmen and the FCT, we are proud to present Prince Adewole Adebayo and his running mate, Dr Usman Bugaje, as the best and credible option to the APC in the 2027 election.”
