The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a response to former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, following his recent remarks criticising the party and campaigning for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Aregbesola, a former Governor of Osun State and long-time APC stalwart, reportedly made anti-APC comments during a political gathering organised by the ADC in the Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos, accusing the ruling party and other major political platforms of failing Nigerians.
In a reaction on Wednesday, Lagos APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo described Aregbesola’s statements as disappointing and a betrayal of trust.
The party warned the former minister that politics without loyalty and gratitude leads to 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.
According to Oladejo, the Lagos electorate has become more discerning and will not be swayed by fanfare and emotional songs at political rallies.
He reaffirmed the party’s performance in Lagos, citing strides in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and youth empowerment, positioning 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.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of individuals to associate with any political party, the APC warned the public to be cautious of those who “jump ship only when their personal ambitions are no longer served.”
The Lagos APC spokesperson emphasised its unity and readiness to continue delivering the dividends of democracy.
“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.”
