South-West Voters Association Endorses Adebayo For 2027 President

A group known as the South-West Voters Association of Nigerian Youths (SWAVANY) has declared support for Prince Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was announced on Wednesday at the Airport Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, after members of the organisation completed a three-month review of the major presidential contenders.

SWAVANY said it conducted consultations across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states before settling on Adebayo.

The organisation said youths, students, farmers, artisans, market women and professionals took part in the consultations used to reach the decision.

According to the group, the state of the Nigerian economy was a major concern during its assessment. It said high living costs, unemployment and poverty had placed pressure on households and businesses across the country.

The association also raised concerns about insecurity, saying criminal activities in different parts of the country had affected farmers, students, travellers and other members of the public.

It said Nigeria’s problems with electricity and petroleum supply also needed to be addressed by the next administration.

SWAVANY said it considered Adebayo’s proposals on job creation as one of the reasons for its endorsement.

The group said his plan to create 30 million jobs through agriculture, housing, manufacturing and digital businesses could provide more opportunities for young Nigerians.

It also said his security plans, including improved recruitment, training and equipment for security personnel, as well as the use of technology, were among the issues that attracted its support.

The association said Adebayo’s proposal to improve domestic refining was another factor in its decision. It noted that the candidate had proposed fixing existing refineries and supporting modular refineries to increase local production of petroleum products.

SWAVANY also considered Adebayo’s views on governance, accountability and the rule of law.

The group said his plans for greater participation of youths and women in government also matched its expectations for the next administration.

It noted that Adebayo had proposed that youths and women should account for 70 per cent of government appointments.

The association said its decision was also influenced by Adebayo’s manifesto presentation in Ibadan, where members assessed his plans and policy proposals.

With the endorsement now announced, SWAVANY said its grassroots structures would begin mobilisation for the SDP candidate across the South-West.

It directed its state and local government coordinators, ward officials, canvassers and polling unit mobilisers to start working towards securing votes for Adebayo in the 2027 election.

The organisation said it was working towards getting at least six million votes from young people across the South-West for the SDP candidate.

It further called on student unions, youth organisations, artisans, market groups and other residents to join its campaign.

SWAVANY said it believed Adebayo’s leadership would provide a new approach to tackling poverty, insecurity and other challenges facing the country.