Former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) still has the upper hand going into the 2027 elections because of its structure and internal coordination.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Akande said the opposition parties are fragmented and lack clear direction, which puts the ruling APC in a stronger position ahead of the next general election.
“I think APC has better arrangements,” Akande said. “The opposition is just all over the place, no structure, no leadership.”
APC’s Advantage Is in Structure, Not Perfection
Akande was clear that the APC is not without problems, but he stressed that the ruling party’s internal systems and party machinery give it a realistic shot at winning again in 2027.
He added that while Nigerians are frustrated with the current economic challenges, the opposition parties have failed to come up with clear alternatives or even present a united front.
“It’s not enough to say Tinubu must go,” he said. “What are you offering instead? What new ideas? Who are the people behind you?”
Labour Party Faces Identity Crisis
The former aide also addressed recent tensions within the Labour Party (LP), especially after comments from Datti Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in 2023. Baba-Ahmed recently said Obi could run for president again without him.
Akande believes that sort of statement shows the opposition is not serious about unity or long-term strategy.
“If that coalition was serious, Datti should be at the forefront building trust and continuity,” he said. “What we are seeing is just political drama, not leadership.”
He further questioned the internal structure of the LP, saying Nigerians are still unsure who exactly is calling the shots.
Praise for New Voices, But Criticism for Recycled Faces
While criticising the major opposition groups, Akande acknowledged that some new political actors, like Omoyele Sowore, are attempting to push fresh narratives.
However, he warned that Nigerians are tired of old faces pretending to be reformers, and urged voters not to fall for “the same old vendetta politics.”
“We need new faces, but what we have are old folks in new clothes,” he said. “Nigerians deserve more than recycled slogans and personal grudges.”
APC Eyes New Party Chairman Ahead of 2027
On the APC’s side, Akande revealed that the ruling party is also undergoing internal changes. He said a new national chairman is expected to be appointed soon, which he believes could help President Tinubu strengthen the party’s unity before 2027.
“There’s a visible onslaught toward the APC,” he said, “but at least there’s a clear path, unlike the confusion in the opposition.”
He called for more civic engagement and issue-based politics, urging all parties to move away from personal battles and focus on real national problems like poverty, corruption, and weak institutions.
Akande Says Nigeria’s APC Has the Edge for 2027
With just under two years to go, the 2027 elections are already stirring up political activity across Nigeria. But according to Laolu Akande, the APC has the edge for 2027 simply because it’s more organised and structured than the divided opposition. While he admitted that Nigerians are facing tough times, he made it clear that replacing the APC would require more than social media rants and emotional speeches.
As things stand, unless the opposition parties fix their house and present clear leadership, Akande says Nigeria’s APC has the edge for 2027.
