Lagos APC to Obi: 2027 won’t be a replay of 2023

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned that Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), could lose his political capital before the 2027 general elections if he fails to show ideological consistency and organisational depth.

The party’s Lagos spokesman, Seye Oladejo, made the claim on Monday in a statement titled “2027: Peter Obi and the Expiration Date of Political Momentum.”

Oladejo acknowledged that Obi’s 2023 campaign tapped into public frustration, youth mobilisation and social media enthusiasm, calling it a consequential moment in Nigeria’s democracy. But he argued that riding a wave of sentiment is not the same as having political depth and a national structure.

He said Obi failed to convert the 2023 enthusiasm into lasting political capital, adding that social media visibility and rallies cannot replace effective national organisation and grassroots structures.

“No two elections are the same,” Oladejo said. “The 2023 phenomenon drew strength from a particular combination of public frustration and novelty. There is no guarantee these factors will reproduce in 2027.”

The APC spokesman also faulted Obi’s movement across parties, from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP) and later realignments ahead of 2027, saying it raises questions about conviction.

“Changing political parties is not inherently objectionable,” he said. “The concern arises when repeated movement begins to create the impression that political platforms are interchangeable vehicles for personal ambition rather than institutions anchored in enduring principles.”

Oladejo further questioned Obi’s policy consistency, saying presidential leadership demands clear explanations of the costs, trade-offs and mechanisms for tackling inflation, unemployment, debt and energy challenges.

He also took aim at Obi’s often-repeated phrase “go and verify,” claiming that invitations to verify have at times exposed his claims to scrutiny that challenged their accuracy.

“Verification is essential,” he said. “The problem is that in numerous instances, the very invitation to verify has prompted scrutiny that has challenged the figures and assertions advanced.”

According to him, the Obidient movement must shift from protest to policy and from mobilisation to organisation if it is to become a durable national coalition.

“The 2027 election will not be decided by who can most successfully recreate emotions of 2023,” Oladejo said. “It will be decided by who can persuade Nigerians that they possess competence, credibility, organisation and vision.”

He added that the APC recognises that electoral success must be earned through performance and public confidence, but said no candidate should expect the ruling party to surrender its advantage because of past popularity.

“Momentum is an opportunity, not a permanent political asset,” he said.

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