Lagos APC Knocks Adebayo, Questions His Experience, Political Structure

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President Bola Tinubu               Adewole Adebayo


The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, over his comments on President Bola Tinubu’s reported decision to skip some campaign events ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party urged Adebayo to focus on his public service experience and the SDP’s political structures rather than question Tinubu’s campaign arrangements.

In a statement on Thursday, the Lagos APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, described Adebayo’s criticism as an attempt to manufacture controversy, insisting that the President’s approach reflected confidence in the party’s nationwide network and experienced leadership.

Oladejo said Tinubu did not need to attend every campaign event personally, arguing that his political experience and the APC’s organisational capacity would allow him to delegate campaign responsibilities effectively.

He maintained that the ruling party had an extensive network of political strategists, elected representatives and party administrators capable of mobilising support across the country.

The APC spokesman challenged Adebayo to demonstrate how his experience and political platform prepared him to govern Nigeria, questioning whether the SDP had the national reach and organisational strength required to compete effectively.

He argued that presidential leadership required more than public appearances and criticism of an incumbent, citing experience in public administration, economic management, national security and intergovernmental relations as essential qualifications.

Oladejo also defended Tinubu’s need to balance campaign activities with his responsibilities as President, noting that governance must continue despite the approach of an election.

According to him, the President’s absence from particular campaign events should not be interpreted as a weakness, as the APC could rely on its leadership and established political machinery to coordinate its activities.

He said the 2027 election would be determined by leadership, experience, policy direction, political organisation and voters’ confidence, rather than the frequency of candidates’ public appearances.

The party challenged Adebayo and the SDP to explain how they would address Nigeria’s challenges, finance their policy proposals and convince voters that they were prepared to govern.

Oladejo said the APC was ready to defend its record, acknowledge outstanding challenges and seek a renewed mandate based on its programmes and vision.

He added that the party would determine its campaign strategy and mobilisation arrangements as it considered appropriate, insisting that the election should focus on competing visions for Nigeria rather than disputes over campaign schedules.

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