The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a reaction to the recent comments made by the former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, at a political event organized by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos.
As contained in a statement by the Lagos APC Spokesperson, Mogaji Seye Oladejo: “attention of the Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to recent statements credited to the former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, during a political gathering organized by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos”.
The party cautioned the former minister that politics devoid of loyalty and gratitude culminates in irrelevance.
“The APC in Lagos views Aregbesola’s comments as not only disappointing but also a betrayal of trust and values he once professed under our party. His utterances reek of political desperation and opportunism, masquerading under the guise of a ‘new deal’ that lacks substance, structure, or credibility,” Oladejo said.
“While individuals are free to pursue their political ambitions, it is expected that they do so with integrity and decorum. Lagos APC is not threatened by theatrics or sudden political conversions.
“However, we remind Aregbesola and his allies that politics without loyalty and gratitude is a dangerous path that leads to irrelevance.”
Oladejo said it was ironic for Aregbesola — who rose to national prominence through various positions held under the APC, including Commissioner in Lagos, two-term Governor of Osun, and later Federal Minister — to now turn around and discredit the party that nurtured his political journey.
“If APC has failed, then Ogbeni Aregbesola must take responsibility for his own role in governance, rather than seeking to rewrite history and distance himself for cheap political relevance,” he noted.
The APC also dismissed the so-called “new deal” offered by the ADC as “recycled rhetoric” lacking in substance, structure, or credibility.
Oladejo noted that the Lagos electorate has evolved to become more astute and will not be swayed by mere pageantry and emotional appeals at political rallies.
He reiterated the party’s achievements in Lagos, citing progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and youth empowerment, establishing the state as a benchmark for progressive governance in Nigeria.
“Lagos remains a shining example of progressive governance under the APC. From infrastructure to healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and technology-driven reforms, the state continues to set the pace nationally. No amount of political grandstanding can erase this reality,” Oladejo said.
The APC acknowledged the constitutional right to associate with any political party while warning the public to exercise caution when encountering individuals who switch parties solely to fulfill their personal ambitions.
The Lagos APC spokesperson emphasized the party’s unity and commitment to delivering democratic benefits.
“We welcome constructive criticism, but we reject outright falsehoods and political showmanship aimed at misleading the public,” Oladejo stated.
“While we recognize the right of every Nigerian to join any political party of their choice, we urge the public to be wary of those who jump ship only when their personal ambitions are no longer served, and who now pretend to offer solutions to problems they helped create.”
