Lagos governor says proposed alliance of opposition figures lacks substance and will not derail the President’s reform agenda
Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo‑Olu has brushed aside the significance of a budding political coalition that aims to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 2027 polls, declaring it “directionless” and “without substance.”
During an interactive session with journalists and political stakeholders in Lagos, Sanwo‑Olu voiced strong confidence in the President’s reform programme and the continued backing of Nigerian voters. The coalition, which is reportedly working with the African Democratic Congress, includes prominent politicians such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flag‑bearer Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former governors Nasir el‑Rufai and Rauf Aregbesola.
Sanwo‑Olu argued that the alliance represents little more than what he called a convergence of “discontented actors” hoping to derail ongoing national progress. “Nigerians will never go back to Egypt,” he said, insisting that the country has moved beyond the political methods and ideologies of the past.
He credited President Tinubu’s leadership with tangible results, highlighting stabilising foreign‑exchange trends, the rollout of a student‑loan scheme, higher revenue to state governments after fuel‑subsidy removal, tax reforms, rising oil output, and advances in infrastructure and minimum‑wage policy. “President Tinubu is not just a leader; he is a nation‑builder,” Sanwo‑Olu remarked.
Asked whether the ruling All Progressives Congress felt threatened by the coalition’s formation, the governor replied emphatically: “There is no need for concern. Nigerians recognize real leadership and results when they see them. The record speaks louder than political noise.” He echoed earlier statements from presidential aides who labelled the coalition “political desperados” and “internally displaced politicians,” maintaining that the group lacks any unifying ideology beyond opposition to the President.
Offering counsel to the Commander‑in‑Chief, Sanwo‑Olu urged steadfastness. “Stay the course,” he said. “Millions of Nigerians understand the complexity of rebuilding a challenged economy and they trust his leadership.” The governor concluded by calling on citizens to remain focused and resilient, insisting that political distractions should not divert attention from the nation’s developmental trajectory.
