By Adeyemi Adeleye

The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says the 2027 general elections will be determined by performance and leadership, not political rhetoric.

The party was reacting to recent comments credited to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Secretary and former Osun Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, on defections and the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in Lagos.

The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Aregbesola had at a book launch on Tuesday said that Nigerians, and not government, would determine the outcomes of the 2027 elections.

The former governor of Osun also cautioned that defections of some governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) might not guarantee electoral victory in 2027.

Aregbesola further contended that the result of the 2023 presidential election in Lagos showed that control of state governments does not guarantee electoral victory.

Reacting, in a statement on Wednesday, the APC spokesman in Lagos, Mr Seye Oladejo, said the remarks required factual clarification.

“Presidential elections are decided nationally, not by the outcome of a single state, however symbolic.

“President Bola Tinubu won the 2023 election by securing constitutional spread and building the widest national coalition.

“To isolate Lagos from the broader national picture is to misunderstand electoral realities,” Oladejo said.

Oladejo described the opposition’s 2023 presidential showing in Lagos as temporary and politically insignificant.

“The result neither altered the national outcome nor endured beyond that contest.

“Days later, Lagosians reaffirmed their confidence in the APC during the governorship election,” he said.

He said subsequent bye-elections across the state further demonstrated the party’s dominance and grassroots strength.

According to him, the Lagos presidential result strengthened, rather than diminished, Tinubu’s democratic credentials.

“That outcome proved his commitment to credible elections and respect for voters’ choices,” Oladejo added.

On defections, the APC spokesman said they were not election-winning tools but reflections of political realities.

“Defections occur because of performance, structure, leadership and vision, not coercion,” he said.

He added that opposition parties were grappling with internal crises and ideological weakness.

“As 2027 approaches, the APC remains focused on governance, reforms and improving Nigerians’ lives,” Oladejo said.

He urged political actors to prioritise ideas and verifiable records over polemics and selective memories. (NAN)

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