The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has given reasons for its decision to withdraw from ongoing coalition talks among opposition parties aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, said the talks collapsed because of serious concerns bordering on credibility, ideology and integrity of some of the political actors involved.

Speaking with journalists on Sunday, Adebayo said while the SDP supports coalition politics in principle, it would not align with individuals whose political history and public records contradict the party’s core values.

According to him, mere opposition to President Tinubu is insufficient justification for forming an alliance, stressing that any coalition must be driven by shared ideals and a clear vision for governance.

He disclosed that several politicians seeking to join the coalition were screened out by the party, noting that some failed to meet basic standards and were not even granted interviews.

Adebayo accused certain opposition figures of attempting to capitalise on public dissatisfaction with the current administration without presenting credible alternatives or concrete solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.

He warned that replacing the present government with what he described as “worse options” would only deepen the country’s problems, insisting that the SDP would not support alliances motivated by opportunism or personal ambition.

The SDP standard-bearer also criticised politicians facing corruption allegations who are now projecting themselves as alternatives to the ruling party, arguing that individuals with questionable records lack the moral authority to lead a reform agenda.

According to him, any viable coalition must be anchored on ideology, accountability and a clear roadmap for national renewal.

Adebayo added that politicians seeking to lead a new political movement must first acknowledge their role in Nigeria’s current predicament before presenting themselves as agents of change.

He concluded that the SDP would rather remain out of government than participate in any coalition that compromises its principles or betrays public trust.