The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly dismissed a recent newspaper column by Lasisi Olagunju, describing it as performative outrage that reflects opposition frustration rather than serious political analysis.
In a statement, Lagos APC Spokesman Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo said Olagunju’s arguments relied on exaggerated analogies and selective interpretations that fail to reflect Nigeria’s current political realities. Routine state protocols—such as officials receiving the President after official trips—should not be portrayed as evidence of an “imperial presidency,” the party emphasized.
The APC further argued that much of the criticism directed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stems from the opposition’s inability to secure electoral victories. Attempts to undermine his mandate through opinion pieces, it said, cannot replace the democratic processes endorsed by voters and upheld by the courts.
Defending the President’s record, the party highlighted Tinubu’s decades-long commitment to resisting authoritarianism, strengthening institutions, and advancing democratic governance.
Lagos State’s governance model, the statement noted, exemplifies robust electoral competition, judicial independence, and institutional resilience.
The party also rejected claims that the legislature or judiciary have been undermined, describing such allegations as unfair to the professionals serving within these institutions. APC stressed that disagreement with political outcomes does not amount to democratic collapse.
Accusing critics of selective amnesia, the party questioned why similar criticisms were absent during previous administrations when executive dominance was far more pronounced.
According to the APC, President Tinubu’s administration has stabilized the economy, restored seriousness to governance, and pursued difficult but necessary reforms. The party added that public respect for leadership should not be misinterpreted as political worship.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the Lagos APC reaffirmed that political power will continue to be determined by voters, not commentators. It urged opposition parties to focus on building credibility, strengthening organisation, and earning public trust, rather than engaging in theatrical rhetoric.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the party’s commitment to governance, service delivery, and democratic consolidation, emphasizing that it will remain focused on national development despite criticism from political opponents.
