The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the rapid deterioration of Nigeria’s opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the party said the opposition has failed to live up to its democratic responsibility of providing credible alternatives, meaningful policy debates, and intellectual balance to the political system.
According to the statement, instead of acting as “credible watchdogs and policy challengers,” opposition parties have become “a coalition of desperation, confusion, and hypocrisy,” thereby weakening Nigeria’s democratic fabric.
“The health of any democracy is measured by the quality and seriousness of its opposition — its ideas, organisation, and consistency. Sadly, Nigeria’s opposition has failed woefully on all counts. It lacks leadership, cohesion, and a binding philosophy,” Oladejo said.
The statement further criticised opposition figures for what it described as political inconsistency and opportunism. “Individuals who once claimed to uphold ideological purity now jump from one platform to another in search of personal relevance,” it read.
Contrasting the present situation with the opposition era led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his days as a political strategist and democrat, the Lagos APC said Tinubu’s brand of opposition was rooted in principles, structure, and a clear ideological vision that eventually birthed the APC in 2015.
“It was that purposeful and issue-driven opposition that produced the APC — a coalition built on discipline and intellectual depth. Today’s opposition lacks that moral and strategic foundation,” the party said.
The Lagos APC also faulted opposition parties for failing to articulate coherent policy alternatives on key national issues such as the economy, education, and security. Instead, it accused them of resorting to “propaganda, bitterness, and blind ambition” while offering no constructive input on governance.
“Democracy thrives on choice. But when the opposition becomes visionless, voters lose interest. The growing voter apathy in Nigeria is partly due to the absence of credible alternatives,” the statement added.
The party emphasised that the 2027 elections will not be a battle between the APC and any formidable opposition, but a “referendum on performance, vision, and stability.”
While reaffirming its commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, the Lagos APC urged Nigerians to see through what it described as the “facade of a fragmented and self-serving opposition.”
“APC remains committed to building a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria under President Tinubu’s leadership. If the opposition truly seeks to contribute to democracy, it must first rediscover discipline, leadership, and sincerity of purpose,” the statement concluded.
