SDP Presidential Candidate Adebayo Speaks Out: Political Parties Are Like Churches Or Mosques

Adewole Adebayo Explains the Role of Political Parties

In a candid conversation, Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate from the 2023 general elections, has shared his thoughts on what it means to be part of a political party. He emphasized that joining a political party doesn't automatically make someone the leader of the organization. Adebayo’s message is clear: just because you’re in the room doesn’t mean you’re in charge.

Now, here’s the thing. Imagine walking into a place where people gather, like a church or a mosque. You’re there because you want to be part of something bigger, right? That’s exactly how Adebayo views political parties. They’re public institutions where individuals come together to work towards common goals, much like how people attend religious services for spiritual growth.

El-Rufai’s Move to SDP Sparks Conversation

This statement from Adebayo comes on the heels of a significant development within the SDP. Just a few days ago, Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, made headlines when he joined the SDP after stepping down from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Naturally, this move sparked conversations about leadership roles and the dynamics within the party. But Adebayo wants everyone to know that being part of the SDP doesn’t automatically grant someone leadership status.

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On Thursday, during a press briefing, Adebayo elaborated on this point, drawing parallels between political parties and places of worship. He said, “We cannot criticize people’s motives for coming. A political party is a public institution, just like a church or a mosque.”

Freedom to Participate, but Leadership Requires More

Let me break it down for you. Adebayo compared joining a political party to attending a religious service. He said, “When somebody’s presence is marked in a mosque and they want to pray, you can’t ask them where they were last night or question their past actions. Let them pray. Similarly, if someone comes to a church and wants to kneel and pray, the pastor can’t say, ‘Wait, I saw you at the nightclub last night.’ They have to allow the person to pray.”

What Adebayo is saying is that everyone is welcome to participate, but simply showing up doesn’t give you authority. He continued, “Coming to the mosque to pray doesn’t mean you’ll be made the chief imam. Coming to the church to pray doesn’t mean you’ll be anointed as a bishop. But you’re free to come because it’s a place that allows everyone to join in.”

A Warning Against Ego Clashes

Adebayo also issued a strong warning against petty fights, ego clashes, and distractions among party members. He believes that such internal conflicts could create opportunities for opponents to exploit weaknesses. In other words, the SDP needs to stay united and focused on its goals. Divisions within the party could weaken its position and undermine its mission.

To sum it up, Adebayo’s message is one of inclusivity and unity. He wants everyone to feel welcome in the SDP, but he also reminds us that leadership comes with responsibility and experience. So, whether you’re praying in a mosque, kneeling in a church, or participating in a political party, remember that being present is just the first step. True leadership requires more than just showing up—it demands commitment, vision, and the ability to inspire others.