WHY ADEWOLE ADEBAYO'S INCLUSION COULD CHANGE THE OBEDIENT MOVEMENT'S 2027 ENDORSEMENT RACE

The inclusion of Adewole Adebayo in the Obedient Movement Worldwide's 10-man presidential shortlist has introduced another serious contender into an already politically charged 2027 endorsement process.

Adebayo's name appears alongside those of Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Omoyele Sowore.

The Movement also shortlisted Esther Okereke, Peter Agada, Donald Duke, Seyi Makinde and Dan Nwanyawu.

The organisation said the selection followed internal consultations involving its NEC and NWC.

But the significance of the shortlist goes beyond the names themselves.

The Movement intends to subject the candidates to direct presidential interviews before allowing registered PVC holders to participate in a public opinion poll.

That arrangement places the candidates' ability to communicate their programmes and defend their records at the centre of the exercise.

Adebayo will therefore have to compete not merely for organisational recognition but for the attention and confidence of voters.

The Movement said the interviews would focus on the country's major challenges.

Economic transformation and employment will be central.

Security, national unity and democratic governance will also be examined.

Candidates will be expected to discuss youth empowerment and political inclusion.

Education, healthcare and social welfare will provide further areas of questioning.

Technology and Artificial Intelligence are also on the agenda, alongside Nigeria's digital economy.

The organisation said candidates would be required to explain their positions on corruption, institutional reform and federalism.

Nigeria's position in Africa and the wider international community will also form part of the discussion.

After the interviews, the Movement plans to ask registered PVC holders to participate in the endorsement poll.

The candidate with the highest number of votes will emerge as the Movement's preferred presidential candidate, subject to its established procedures.

The process places Adebayo in direct competition with politicians with considerably different political profiles.

His ability to differentiate himself through policy, ideas and leadership vision could therefore become central to his campaign within the Movement's endorsement exercise.

The organisation said Nigerians should be allowed to listen, compare and decide.