The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken note of recent comments attributed to former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, in which he claimed that governors’ defections will not determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections and sought to amplify the opposition’s performance in Lagos during the 2023 presidential election.
While every citizen is entitled to express an opinion, the Lagos APC considers it necessary to set the record straight and address the omissions and sweeping conclusions contained in Mr Aregbesola’s remarks.
First, it is misleading to isolate Lagos from the broader national electoral context. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secured victory in the 2023 presidential election by building a broad national coalition, achieving the required constitutional spread, and earning the mandate of Nigerians across diverse regions. Presidential elections are decided nationally, not on the basis of a single state, regardless of its symbolic value.
Second, it is convenient to overlook the fact that the opposition’s presidential showing in Lagos in 2023 had no impact on the final national outcome and proved short-lived. Only weeks later, Lagos voters reaffirmed their confidence in the APC by re-electing the party in the governorship election. Subsequent bye-elections across the state have further demonstrated the APC’s enduring structure, grassroots acceptance, and political dominance in Lagos.
Third, rather than diminish President Tinubu’s democratic credentials, the Lagos presidential results reinforced them. The ability of an opposition candidate to win in a state governed by his party underscored the credibility of the electoral process and affirmed his commitment to democratic principles.
On defections, the APC has never argued that defections alone win elections. Electoral victories are secured through performance, credibility, organisation, leadership and a compelling vision. Where defections occur in favour of the APC, they reflect growing confidence in the ruling party and dissatisfaction with opposition parties struggling with internal incoherence and lack of ideological clarity.
The Lagos APC recognises the anxiety that recent political realignments have generated within opposition ranks. However, the reality remains that political relevance is sustained by ideas, unity and performance — not rhetoric.
It is also noteworthy that some individuals who once benefitted from the progressive political platform built by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu now attempt to diminish his political legacy for momentary relevance. History, however, remains consistent. Modern Nigeria’s political evolution cannot be recounted without acknowledging President Tinubu’s foundational role in coalition-building, leadership development and institutionalising progressive governance.
As 2027 approaches, the APC remains focused on governance, economic reforms, national stability and improving the lives of Nigerians. We encourage all political actors to engage the electorate with ideas, solutions and verifiable records — not selective memory or political revisionism.
