Opposition agrees on Tinubu but disagrees on almost everything else — Lagos APC

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has attributed the party’s growing political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections to President Bola Tinubu’s coalition-building strategy, while accusing opposition parties of struggling with internal divisions and leadership disagreements.

The party’s spokesman in Lagos State, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, said the APC was attracting experienced politicians, former officeholders, serving public officials and influential political figures from different political platforms.

Oladejo described the ruling party as a gathering of political heavyweights whose experience, grassroots networks and organisational structures could shape the contest for the presidency in 2027.

He likened the APC to the star-studded Galácticos football model, arguing that the party’s attraction reflected Tinubu’s ability to bring individuals with different political backgrounds and ambitions into a common political project.

According to him, Tinubu’s political approach recognises the importance of accommodating competing interests, building alliances and maintaining relationships across party lines.

Oladejo said the President’s experience in political organisation and alliance-building had helped position the APC as a major platform for national political engagement.

He added that the ruling party’s network extended beyond its traditional membership, citing the participation of prominent politicians from other parties in Tinubu’s re-election campaign structure.

The APC spokesman also cited the party’s gubernatorial strength, claiming that 31 governors elected on its platform provided an extensive network of state-level structures, grassroots organisations and campaign operatives ahead of the elections.

He listed Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, serving and former governors, ministers, legislators and party leaders among the political figures contributing to the ruling party’s national reach.

Oladejo also referenced the reported campaign responsibilities assigned to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, elected on the Accord platform; Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure.

He said their reported involvement in Tinubu’s campaign demonstrated the President’s ability to establish working relationships across party lines, stressing that such cooperation did not necessarily mean their respective parties had merged with the APC.

On the opposition, Oladejo accused political leaders seeking to challenge Tinubu in 2027 of prioritising personal ambitions, leadership contests and disputes over party platforms instead of building a coherent coalition.

He argued that opposition politicians had struggled to reconcile their individual ambitions with the need for a common electoral strategy, despite their shared criticism of the President’s administration.

“They agree on Tinubu; they disagree on almost everything else,” he said.

Oladejo maintained that criticism of an incumbent government was not, on its own, a substitute for a credible governing programme, a unified leadership structure or an effective electoral organisation.

He further cautioned opposition parties against assuming that public dissatisfaction with economic conditions and government policies would automatically translate into electoral victory.

According to him, successful electoral campaigns require credible candidates, grassroots mobilisation, persuasive policy proposals, national reach and effective coalition management.

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The Lagos APC spokesman, however, acknowledged that the ruling party’s growing network of political allies would not automatically guarantee electoral success.

He said endorsements and political prominence must be translated into effective mobilisation, while the party must demonstrate that its policies could improve citizens’ welfare.

Oladejo added that Tinubu’s administration would ultimately be judged by its handling of economic pressures, the implementation of reforms and its ability to strengthen public confidence.

He urged the APC to manage competing ambitions among its members, integrate new entrants and communicate its achievements while addressing areas requiring improvement.