Adebayo’s Criticism Of Tinubu’s Campaign Plans, Attempt To Manufacture Controversy – Lagos APC
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, over his reported comments on President Bola Tinubu’s planned absence from some activities on the 2027 presidential campaign itinerary.
The party described the criticism as an attempt to manufacture controversy, insisting that Tinubu’s decision reflected confidence in the APC’s nationwide political structure and its capacity to mobilise support.
The Lagos APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, stated this in a statement issued on Thursday, urging Adebayo to focus on strengthening his party’s structures and presenting credible policy alternatives.
Oladejo said Tinubu’s political experience, national reach and ability to delegate responsibilities to experienced party leaders placed him in a strong position ahead of the election.
“President Tinubu does not need to be physically present at every campaign event to establish his credentials,” he said, adding that the APC’s network of political strategists, elected representatives and party administrators gave it a significant organisational advantage.
The spokesman questioned Adebayo’s public service experience and the SDP’s capacity to mobilise voters nationwide, arguing that presidential ambition required more than media appearances and criticism of an incumbent.
He said presidential leadership demanded competence in public administration, national security, economic management and the ability to build consensus in a diverse country.
Oladejo also defended Tinubu’s need to balance campaign activities with the responsibilities of governance, including economic management, security, infrastructure development and international relations.
“Governance does not come to a halt because an election is approaching,” he said, arguing that the President’s absence from some campaign events should not be portrayed as a political weakness.
He challenged Adebayo and the SDP to explain how they would address Nigeria’s challenges, finance their campaign promises and build the political structures needed to govern effectively.
Oladejo said the APC was prepared to defend its record, acknowledge outstanding challenges and seek a renewed mandate based on its programmes and vision.
He maintained that the 2027 presidential election would be determined by leadership, experience, credible policies and political organisation rather than the frequency of a candidate’s campaign appearances.
