The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the growing political alignment of the South East with the ruling party as a sign of maturity, inclusion, and national cohesion.
This follows the detection of the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on Tuesday, bringing the number of states controlled by the party in the region to three.
In a statement on Wednesday, the party’s spokesman, Seye Oladejo, said the development represents a “handshake across the Niger,” symbolising a new dawn of partnership and progress between the region and the rest of the country.
Oladejo noted that for decades, political sentiment and emotional posturing had kept the South East on the fringes of national politics, but that era, he said, is coming to an end.
However, contrary to Oladejo’s point, the South East has only been in opposition for ten years since 1999, after the PDP lost power at the centre in 2015.
“The new alignment with the APC marks a strategic, forward-looking recognition that meaningful participation in governance – not sterile opposition – is the true path to regional and national advancement,” he stated.
He added that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is creating opportunities for every region to thrive, anchored on fairness, inclusiveness, and equity.
According to Oladejo, the South East’s growing partnership with the national mainstream positions the region to participate actively in shaping national decisions rather than remaining on the sidelines.
“This is politics of maturity and national vision; a departure from the echo chambers of grievance and a bold embrace of shared destiny,” he said.
The APC spokesman also took a swipe at the opposition parties, accusing them of being trapped in confusion, division, and lack of clear direction.
“The PDP, once described as Africa’s largest party, is now a relic of its old self – leaderless, rudderless, and adrift.
“The Labour Party, whose fleeting popularity was built on social media emotion rather than structure or strategy, has lost both momentum and direction. Their internal crises are not just embarrassing; they are symptomatic of parties that have lost touch with reality. Nigerians can see through the chaos,” Oladejo said.
He maintained that while the APC is expanding its reach and consolidating its position as a truly national party, the opposition is imploding under the weight of its own contradictions.
Oladejo expressed confidence that the ruling party’s growing influence across the country would ensure continuity in governance come 2027.
“The APC remains the only credible platform for national stability, progress, and development. As the South East and other regions strengthen their handshake with the national leadership, the dream of one Nigeria, anchored on equity and inclusion, is being realised,” he said.
He concluded that the region’s new political posture reflects a shared commitment to unity and national progress, saying, “Together, we are building bridges, breaking boundaries, and securing Nigeria’s future – one handshake at a time.’
