The CountryFirst Movement and a coalition of pro-democracy organisations have endorsed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, as their preferred choice for the 2027 presidential election.
The coalition announced its endorsement at a world press conference, monitored in lokoja, kogi state capital.
The coalition relied on his comprehensive manifesto, clear policy direction and four-year implementation plan as reasons for its decision.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, Convener of the CountryFirst Movement, Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr., said the endorsement followed an extensive assessment of presidential candidates’ manifestos, policy proposals and delivery timelines.
Nwaokobia disclosed that the coalition had, since August 26, 2026, challenged presidential candidates to present detailed manifestos outlining practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
He said that out of the 18 presidential candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), only one submitted what the coalition considered a full and comprehensive manifesto, while 10 others presented briefs containing summaries and graphics without sufficient implementation details.
Describing Adebayo as a credible alternative, the coalition said his 117-page printed manifesto, alongside a 138-page electronic version, provides a comprehensive roadmap for tackling poverty, insecurity and other developmental challenges.
The document outlines 12 presidential priorities, including national security, food security, electricity, affordable energy, job creation, education, healthcare, infrastructure, innovation, accountability and national unity.
The coalition particularly praised the manifesto’s four-year delivery framework, which provides specific implementation targets from the first 100 days in office to the end of the proposed administration.
According to the groups, the first 100 days would focus on establishing a Presidential Delivery and Performance Office, auditing critical sectors, identifying priority projects, strengthening procurement transparency and introducing a presidential performance dashboard.
The first year would prioritise improved security, agricultural production, essential services, domestic refining, energy logistics, power and transport projects, as well as youth employment and skills development.
The second and third years would focus on expanding industrial development, electricity distribution, irrigation, food processing, pharmaceutical production, manufacturing, technology, rail transportation, housing and water infrastructure.
The fourth year would be dedicated to completing priority projects, strengthening successful programmes and publishing audited performance reports to ensure accountability.
The coalition also commended Adebayo’s commitment to constitutional governance, social democracy, cooperative federalism, evidence-based policymaking and citizen participation.
It drew parallels between the SDP’s historical connection with the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and Adebayo’s campaign message, “Farewell to Poverty and Insecurity,” describing it as a continuation of the party’s ideological commitment to national prosperity.
Nwaokobia said Nigeria needed to move beyond electoral promises to a political culture driven by detailed policies, measurable targets and clear implementation strategies.
“We present to Nigerians the candidate with a clear blueprint and a workable programme for a new Nigeria,” the coalition declared.
The groups consequently urged Nigerians, civil society organisations and pro-democracy advocates to support Adebayo, the SDP and the Movement Adebayo for President (MAP).
They also called on political parties to publish comprehensive manifestos before inaugurating their presidential campaign councils, insisting that electoral campaigns should be anchored on clearly defined policy commitments rather than political structures alone.
The endorsement was jointly signed by Nwaokobia, Convener of the CountryFirst Movement; Dabiraoluwa H. Adeyinka, Coordinator of Power in the Streets Movement (PITS); Alhaji Musa Isah of the Forum of North West Progressives; Obinna Okeke, Organising Secretary of the CountryFirst Movement; Fred Uke of the United Middlebelt Forum; Bernice Adeyemi of the South South Peoples Forum; and Ayegba Iyaji of the National Rescue Movement, North Central.
The coalition expressed optimism that Adebayo’s emergence as president in 2027 would usher in a new era of prosperity, security, accountability and inclusive national development, urging voters to make manifesto-based decisions in choosin
