The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will lose the backing of the South-West in the 2027 general election, saying the region remains strongly behind its “own son.”
The reaction came in response to comments credited to supporters of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who suggested that the South-West zone would turn its back on Tinubu at the next polls.
In a strongly worded statement on Saturday, APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo described Olawepo-Hashim as a “perennial aspirant” with no political structure, dismissing his presidential ambition as “theatrical” and lacking serious support.
“Olawepo-Hashim is a convenient mascot for opposition desperation. He parades endorsements from tiny rallies and photocopied letterheads, but that doesn’t translate into electoral strength,” Oladejo said.
“PDP Can’t Compete in 2027” — APC
The Lagos APC said the opposition party has become “bankrupt” in both human and material capacity, arguing that no candidate from the PDP could match the nationwide influence and performance credentials of President Tinubu.
Oladejo added that if Olawepo-Hashim somehow clinches the PDP ticket, he would suffer a “crushing” defeat.
“This is not bravado; it’s simple political arithmetic. The PDP has nothing new to offer. Sentiment and nostalgia won’t rescue a party that has lost its relevance.”
“Tinubu Is Laying Irreversible Foundations”
The statement defended President Tinubu’s record in office, highlighting ongoing reforms in infrastructure, education, agriculture, security, and fiscal policy. It accused opposition voices of cherry-picking economic data to push false narratives.
“Selective statistics and currency rhetoric cannot undo the visible progress being made. Nigerians will not return to the era of waste and economic mismanagement.”
Oladejo said the 2027 elections would be a referendum on “results and direction,” not press releases or social media noise.
“South-West Will Stay the Course”
Responding directly to the claim that the South-West could abandon Tinubu, the APC insisted the region remains committed to a leader it believes is delivering on key promises.
“The South-West will not abandon its own for a vanity project driven by ambition without substance. In 2027, voters will reward performance, not political tourism,” Oladejo declared.
President Bola Tinubu, elected in 2023, faces increasing scrutiny as economic reforms impact daily life. However, his supporters say the current pain is temporary and necessary for long-term recovery.
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