Akande: APC Structurally Stronger Than Opposition Ahead of 2027 Elections
Former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has weighed in on Nigeria’s unfolding political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, asserting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains more structurally prepared than the fractured opposition to retain power.
Speaking on Sunrise Daily, Channels Television’s flagship breakfast programme on Thursday, Akande offered a critical assessment of the current political landscape, casting doubts on the cohesion and readiness of opposition parties.
“While the APC has its internal challenges, I think the party has better arrangements,” Akande said. “The opposition lacks a clear political identity and appears disorganized.”
He argued that opposition figures have focused more on unseating President Bola Tinubu rather than offering Nigerians viable alternatives. According to him, such an approach reflects recycled political vendettas rather than transformative leadership.
“We need new faces, but they still have old folks,” he said. “The characters at the forefront are not the ones that can get the job done. Nigerians would not be inspired by the same old personal vendetta politics.”
Akande singled out Omoyele Sowore, activist and former presidential candidate, for commendation, saying Sowore’s consistent efforts to introduce new narratives into Nigerian politics stand out in contrast to the conventional political class.
His remarks come on the heels of recent comments by Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party (LP)’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, who stated that Peter Obi can run for president in 2027 without him. Akande interpreted Baba-Ahmed’s statement as evidence of deepening internal fractures within the LP.
“If the coalition is serious, Datti should be at the forefront to assure Nigerians of real change,” Akande noted, emphasizing the need for unity and clarity of purpose within the opposition.
He also criticized the LP’s lack of a definitive manifesto and leadership identity, suggesting it weakens the party’s credibility heading into future elections.
Turning his attention back to the APC, Akande said the expected appointment of a new party chairman could be a unifying move by President Tinubu as the party begins positioning itself for 2027.
“I think it is reasonable that there would be a new chairman today,” he said, referencing a high-level meeting of APC leaders held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
He described recent moves by the opposition as “largely superficial” and emphasized the importance of internal cohesion within the ruling party.
“There’s a visible onslaught toward the APC, but it’s easier to see where things are headed within the ruling party,” Akande stated.
The former presidential aide also called for more civic engagement and issue-based politics, urging political leaders to shift focus towards critical national priorities such as poverty alleviation, anti-corruption efforts, and institutional reform.
“Nigerians need politics that addresses their daily realities, not just power struggles,” he concluded.
