The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised the defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as a calculated political arrangement driven by personal ambition rather than ideology.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, the party said Obi’s defection marked the formal unveiling of what it described as a coalition assembled to undermine national stability, rather than advance democratic ideals.
The Lagos APC argued that the development did not represent political growth but the public activation of a grievance-driven alliance, adding that Obi’s decision confirmed what it called a pattern of “convenience politics.” The party also said the choice of venue for the defection announcement was symbolic and carefully planned.
According to the statement, the APC had long anticipated that Obi would not seek elective office repeatedly on the platform of the same party, citing his past political movements as evidence of a lack of ideological consistency.
The party further described the ADC as a platform lacking clear ideology, alleging that it had become a gathering point for politicians with failed ambitions. It claimed the coalition was not built on ideas or national interest but on the pursuit of power.
The Lagos APC also alleged that Obi’s entry into the ADC confirmed claims that the coalition was formed around a predetermined political arrangement, with internal democracy and consultation sidelined. It suggested that Obi may have already accepted a secondary role within the coalition ahead of its public unveiling.
In the statement, the party expressed concern over what it described as the coalition’s failure to clearly condemn terrorism and violent crimes in the country, warning that silence on such issues undermines any claim to moral leadership.
The APC contrasted the opposition coalition with the performance of the APC-led Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the administration was focused on economic stabilisation, security reforms, institutional rebuilding and restoring investor confidence.
Oladejo said Nigerians had witnessed similar political alliances in the past and would reject what he called “desperation politics” at the polls. He assured citizens that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration remained on course, expressing confidence that voters would again reject what the party described as deceptive political coalitions in future elections.
