The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has issued a resolute statement asserting that the South West region will unwaveringly support President Bola Tinubu in his anticipated re-election bid in 2027. This declaration, articulated by the APC Spokesman, Mr. Seye Oladejo, comes as a direct response to claims purportedly made by supporters of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a presidential aspirant from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The opposition supporters suggested that the South West would not back Tinubu for a second term, a notion that Oladejo dismissed with confidence, emphasizing Tinubu’s political dominance and the region’s loyalty to him.
In a detailed statement released on Saturday in Lagos, Oladejo addressed the remarks attributed to Olawepo-Hashim’s camp, labeling them as baseless and reflective of political desperation. He described Olawepo-Hashim as a "perennial aspirant" and a "convenient mascot" for an opposition struggling to regain relevance. Oladejo argued that Olawepo-Hashim lacks the political infrastructure and electoral strength necessary to pose a credible challenge in a national election. He went further to assert that Tinubu would decisively defeat any coalition formed against him in 2027, framing this prediction not as mere bravado but as a matter of "political arithmetic."
Oladejo’s statement was particularly critical of Olawepo-Hashim’s political track record, noting that the PDP aspirant has never built a durable political structure capable of delivering electoral success on a national scale. He suggested that Olawepo-Hashim’s campaign efforts, often characterized by small-scale rallies and press statements, fail to translate into meaningful voter support. “Endorsements on photocopied letterheads do not translate to votes,” Oladejo quipped, underscoring the perceived superficiality of the opposition’s strategy. He expressed skepticism about Olawepo-Hashim’s prospects of securing the PDP’s presidential candidacy, describing the party as “free-falling” and lacking both human and material resources. Even in the unlikely event that Olawepo-Hashim emerges as the PDP flagbearer, Oladejo predicted a resounding defeat at the polls, attributing this to the party’s reliance on sentiment and nostalgia rather than competence and tangible achievements.
The APC spokesman also took issue with what he described as Olawepo-Hashim’s attempt to misrepresent the achievements of the Tinubu administration. He called these efforts “distasteful and unacceptable,” arguing that the administration has made significant strides in laying “visible and irreversible foundations” across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, education, agriculture, security, and fiscal reforms. Oladejo accused the opposition of resorting to selective statistics and rhetorical attacks because they cannot credibly defend their alternative vision, which he characterized as a return to the “waste, arrogance, and economic mismanagement” that he claims nearly derailed Nigeria’s potential in the past.
Oladejo’s defense of Tinubu’s record was framed as a broader appeal to the Nigerian electorate, particularly residents of Lagos and the South West. He urged voters not to be swayed by what he described as the opposition’s “hollow theatrics” and “recycled claimants.” Instead, he emphasized the importance of recognizing the progress made under Tinubu’s leadership, warning against trading “present progress for recycled excuses.” He accused opposition figures of insulting the intelligence of Lagos residents and Nigerians at large by relying on press releases rather than demonstrating governance competence.
The statement also served as a rallying cry for the South West to remain loyal to Tinubu, whom Oladejo portrayed as a leader delivering “direction and results.” He dismissed the opposition’s efforts as a “project of theatrical ambition without substance,” asserting that the region would not abandon its own for what he described as political opportunism. “In 2027, voters will choose continuity with a president who has delivered direction and results – not the empty spectacle offered by political tourists,” Oladejo declared, positioning Tinubu as the candidate of substance and stability.
This response from the Lagos APC underscores the intensifying political rhetoric as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. The party’s confidence in Tinubu’s re-election prospects reflects its belief in his enduring influence in the South West, a region that has historically been a stronghold for the APC and its predecessor parties. Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State and a key figure in Nigerian politics, is seen as a central pillar of the APC’s dominance in the region. Oladejo’s statement seeks to reinforce this narrative, framing any challenge to Tinubu’s leadership as futile and disconnected from the region’s political realities.
The APC’s robust defense of Tinubu also highlights the broader dynamics of Nigerian politics, where regional loyalties and party structures play a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes. By dismissing Olawepo-Hashim and the PDP as lacking the resources and credibility to mount a serious challenge, the APC is attempting to consolidate its base and project an image of invincibility ahead of 2027. Oladejo’s emphasis on “political arithmetic” suggests a calculated strategy to underscore Tinubu’s electoral strength, particularly in the South West, where the APC has consistently performed strongly in past elections.
Moreover, the statement reflects the APC’s broader narrative of portraying Tinubu’s administration as one of transformative progress. By highlighting achievements in infrastructure, education, agriculture, security, and fiscal reforms, Oladejo aims to counter opposition critiques and present a positive vision for the future. This narrative is particularly crucial as the APC seeks to maintain voter confidence amid economic challenges and other national issues that could potentially impact Tinubu’s popularity.
The dismissal of Olawepo-Hashim’s campaign as a “project of theatrical ambition” also points to the APC’s strategy of discrediting opposition figures by questioning their political legitimacy and track record. By framing Olawepo-Hashim as a “perennial aspirant” with no significant electoral achievements, the APC seeks to diminish his credibility and portray the PDP as a party in decline. This tactic is not uncommon in Nigerian politics, where personal attacks and critiques of opponents’ records are often used to sway public opinion.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, statements like Oladejo’s are likely to set the tone for an increasingly polarized political landscape. The APC’s confidence in Tinubu’s re-election bid, coupled with its aggressive dismissal of opposition claims, signals a determination to maintain its grip on power. For the PDP and aspirants like Olawepo-Hashim, the challenge will be to build a credible alternative narrative that resonates with voters and counters the APC’s dominance in key regions like the South West.
In conclusion, the APC’s statement is a clear indication of its strategy to rally support for Tinubu while undermining the opposition’s efforts. By emphasizing Tinubu’s achievements, regional loyalty, and electoral strength, the party aims to solidify its position ahead of 2027. Oladejo’s remarks serve as both a defense of Tinubu’s record and a warning to the opposition that the South West remains firmly in the APC’s camp. As political maneuvering intensifies, the battle for Nigeria’s future will likely hinge on the ability of parties to mobilize their bases, articulate compelling visions, and navigate the complex dynamics of regional and national politics.
