By Henry Umoru, Abuja

ABUJA — Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, renowned cleric and Convener of the Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria, Prophet Isa El-Buba, has declared support for the presidential ambition of Social Democratic Party (SDP) leader, Adewole Adebayo, saying he is better positioned to lead Nigeria than other opposition contenders.

El-Buba also warned against any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, stressing that democracy thrives on justice, equity and political plurality.

Speaking at an SDP event, the cleric congratulated party members for what he described as a peaceful and successful gathering and urged them to remain united in their quest to reposition the country.

He lamented that despite Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources, millions of citizens continue to face insecurity, unemployment, poverty and social injustice.

According to him, years of leadership failure have denied many Nigerians, particularly young people, opportunities for economic advancement, quality education and personal development.

“Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources, intelligent people and great potential, yet millions still suffer from insecurity, unemployment, poverty and injustice,” he said.

El-Buba noted that the country’s current challenges require urgent action and collective resolve to chart a new course.

“Now is the time for us to join forces and rewrite history. Nigeria cannot continue to experience pain, frustration and clueless leadership,” he added.

The cleric cautioned against efforts to weaken democratic competition, insisting that national stability can only be sustained through fairness and justice.

“Nigeria cannot become a one-party state. Every system survives on justice and equity. Oppression is never the pathway to stability, and peace cannot thrive where injustice exists,” he said.

Throwing his weight behind Adebayo, El-Buba announced that members of his movement would mobilise support for the SDP chieftain ahead of the 2027 election.

He said Nigerians seeking genuine national renewal should support leaders committed to restoring the country’s values and rebuilding public confidence in governance.

The cleric also criticised vote-buying and political inducement, arguing that Nigerians have become more politically conscious and would no longer mortgage their future for temporary benefits.

“Nobody will buy the conscience of Nigerians with money or a bag of rice. Nigerians are tired, and it is time to recover the glory of our country,” he stated.

Expressing optimism about the future, El-Buba described the current political moment as the beginning of a national rebirth and a renewed search for purposeful leadership.

He congratulated SDP members and Nigerians, expressing hope for what he called the emergence of a “new Nigeria.”