The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, over his reported comments on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 campaign plans, urging him to focus on his political structures and public service experience.
The party accused Adebayo of creating unnecessary controversy over the President’s reported decision to excuse himself from parts of the 2027 presidential campaign itinerary, insisting that Tinubu’s political experience and the APC’s nationwide structures would enable the party to conduct its campaign effectively.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 15 October, 2026, the Lagos APC spokesman, Hon. Seye Oladejo, argued that the opposition should concentrate on presenting credible alternatives and demonstrating its capacity to govern rather than criticising the President’s campaign arrangements.
Oladejo maintained that Tinubu’s leadership credentials, political experience and national reach were not dependent on his physical presence at every campaign event.
He said the President’s approach reflected confidence in the APC’s political machinery and its pool of experienced leaders capable of handling campaign responsibilities across the country.
According to the party, the APC’s nationwide network, elected representatives, political strategists and party administrators constitute a significant organisational advantage in the run-up to the 2027 general election.
The Lagos APC argued that delegating responsibilities to competent party officials demonstrated organisational strength rather than weakness, dismissing suggestions that the President’s approach could undermine his electoral prospects.
Turning its attention to Adebayo, the party questioned his public service record and the strength of the SDP’s political structures, arguing that presidential aspirants should demonstrate the experience and organisational capacity required to govern Nigeria.
Oladejo said presidential leadership required more than public appearances and criticism of an incumbent, stressing the importance of competence in public administration, economic management, national security and intergovernmental relations.
The party also challenged the SDP candidate to explain how his party intended to mobilise voters nationwide, finance its policy proposals and demonstrate its readiness to assume the responsibilities of government.
The Lagos APC further argued that Tinubu’s responsibilities as President required sustained attention to governance, including economic management, infrastructure development, national security and international relations.
It maintained that electoral success depended on more than a candidate’s physical presence at rallies, pointing to effective mobilisation, political organisation, policy direction and voters’ confidence in a candidate’s ability to deliver.
While acknowledging the importance of political campaigns in a democracy, the party urged the opposition to support its criticism with practical policy alternatives capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
Oladejo added that the ruling party was prepared to defend its record, acknowledge outstanding challenges and seek a renewed mandate based on its programmes and vision for the country.
He urged Adebayo to focus on strengthening his party’s structures and explaining its policy proposals ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“The 2027 presidential election will not be a referendum on whether President Tinubu attends every campaign rally. It will be a contest over leadership, experience, direction, organisational strength and the future of Nigeria,” the statement said.
Lagos APC maintained that the election should be determined by competing records, policies, and visions for the country.
