The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to recent comments attributed to former Governor of Osun State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, in which he argued that governors’ defections would not determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections and sought to amplify the opposition’s performance in the 2023 presidential election in Lagos.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Lagos APC said while every citizen is entitled to express an opinion, it was necessary to correct what it described as sweeping conclusions, selective recollections, and critical omissions contained in Mr. Aregbesola’s remarks.
The party described it as misleading to isolate Lagos State from the broader national context of the 2023 presidential election, stressing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory was achieved through a broad national coalition, constitutional spread, and the collective mandate of Nigerians across diverse regions. According to the APC, presidential elections are determined at the national level and not by the outcome in a single state, regardless of its symbolic importance.
The Lagos APC further argued that the opposition’s win in Lagos during the presidential election was short-lived and had no bearing on the overall outcome of the polls. It noted that Lagos voters reaffirmed their support for the APC shortly after by re-electing the party during the governorship election. The party added that subsequent off-season bye-elections across the state also produced decisive victories for the APC, underscoring its strong grassroots structure and enduring acceptance among the electorate.
According to the statement, the Lagos presidential election results did not diminish President Tinubu’s stature but rather strengthened his democratic credentials. The party said the outcome demonstrated the integrity of the electoral process under his leadership, noting that the ability of an opposition candidate to win in a state governed by the APC reflected a commitment to democratic principles.
On the issue of political defections, the Lagos APC maintained that elections are not won by defections alone but by performance, credibility, leadership, structure, and a clear vision. It added that defections to the APC often reflect discontent within opposition parties and are a result of the ruling party’s political strength rather than the cause of it.
The party also attributed recent reactions from opposition figures to what it described as panic and uncertainty arising from ongoing defections, insisting that the APC remains firmly positioned ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Lagos APC described as ironic attempts by some individuals who previously benefited from the progressive political structure established by President Tinubu to now question his political relevance. It stated that Nigeria’s modern political history cannot be written without acknowledging President Tinubu’s role in building political coalitions, nurturing leaders, and institutionalising progressive governance.
As the 2027 elections approach, the Lagos APC said it remains focused on governance, economic reforms, national stability, and improving the welfare of Nigerians. The party urged political actors to engage citizens with concrete ideas, solutions, and verifiable records rather than rhetoric and selective recollections.
The statement was signed by the Lagos APC Spokesman, Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo, and dated January 28, 2026.
