…Describes ADC-led alliance a ‘needless distraction’
…Says Tinubu’s reforms are transforming Nigeria’s economy, governance
By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the newly formed opposition coalition seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections as a “needless distraction” lacking coherence, credibility, and a clear vision for Nigeria’s future.
Speaking at an interactive session with journalists and political stakeholders in Lagos on Saturday, 5 July, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his confidence in President Tinubu’s reform-oriented leadership, asserting that Nigerians would not turn back from the current path of national progress.
“Nigerians will never go back to Egypt,” he remarked, in a sharp rebuke of what he characterised as outdated political ideologies fuelling the coalition’s agenda.
The proposed alliance, reportedly driven by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), features prominent political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, David Mark, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir el-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola.
Sanwo-Olu, however, dismissed the group as a collection of “discontented actors” more intent on sowing discord than offering viable leadership alternatives.
“Their objective is straightforward: disrupt the President’s momentum and stall genuine progress. But President Tinubu remains unfazed and focused,” the governor said.
He outlined a series of accomplishments recorded under Tinubu’s administration, including the stabilisation of foreign exchange markets, the rollout of a national student loan scheme, revenue gains following fuel subsidy removal, ongoing tax reforms, improved oil production figures, infrastructure expansion, and advancements in minimum wage negotiations.
“President Tinubu is not merely an elected official. He is a builder of nations. His legacy is defined by empowerment, vision, and a relentless drive for meaningful transformation,” Sanwo-Olu added.
Responding to questions about whether the All Progressives Congress (APC) sees the opposition alliance as a threat, the governor said: “There’s no anxiety on our side. Nigerians can tell the difference between noise and leadership. The results are clear for all to see.”
Earlier, presidential aides had described members of the coalition as “political desperados” and “internally displaced politicians,” accusing them of offering little more than recycled grievances and no substantive policy proposals.
“They offer no fresh vision, only dissatisfaction. Such alliances inevitably collapse under their own contradictions,” Sanwo-Olu concluded, calling on Nigerians to remain focused on national development and disregard political theatrics.
