OBEDIENT MOVEMENT SHORTLIST: ADEWOLE ADEBAYO FACES POLITICAL GIANTS IN 2027 ENDORSEMENT BATTLE

Adewole Adebayo is set for a major political test after being shortlisted alongside President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Omoyele Sowore for the Obedient Movement Worldwide's proposed 2027 presidential endorsement.

The SDP presidential aspirant is one of 10 candidates selected by the Movement to proceed to the next stage of the process.

The list also contains Esther Okereke, Peter Agada, Donald Duke, Seyi Makinde and Dan Nwanyawu.

The Movement said its leadership considered the candidates after consultations and strategic deliberations.

It said political party affiliation would not be the sole consideration in the endorsement process.

Instead, the candidates are expected to present their programmes, answer questions and submit themselves to public scrutiny.

The first major stage will be a series of presidential interviews in Abuja during September.

The interviews will address economic transformation, employment, security, national unity and democratic governance.

Youth development and political inclusion will also be addressed.

The candidates will be expected to explain their plans for education, healthcare and social welfare.

Artificial Intelligence and the digital economy have also been identified as major areas for discussion.

Anti-corruption, institutional reform and federalism will form part of the governance questions.

The Movement also wants the aspirants to articulate their vision for Nigeria's role in Africa and the international community.

The organisation said it wants voters to have enough information to make an informed decision.

Following the interviews, registered PVC holders will participate in a public opinion poll.

The aspirant who secures the highest vote will be declared the Movement's endorsed presidential candidate, subject to its approved procedures.

Adebayo's inclusion now gives him an opportunity to compete directly against candidates with established national political structures.

The process could consequently provide him with an important national platform to explain his political agenda and distinguish himself from the other aspirants.

The Movement urged Nigerians to reject violence, misinformation and intimidation throughout the process.

It said its central principle remains that no candidate is bigger than Nigeria.