The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has started the new year with a strong critique of Nigeria's opposition parties. In a statement issued on 5 January 2026, the party accused its political rivals of lacking clear direction, cohesive policy alternatives, and internal unity.
A Call for Constructive Democratic Engagement
The party, through its statement, argued that the opposition has entered 2026 without a tangible agenda for renewal. It claimed that substantive political debate has been replaced by repeated public expressions of dissatisfaction and outrage. The Lagos APC emphasized that a functional democracy requires a strong and organized opposition to thrive on the contest of ideas.
"Democracy thrives on the contest of ideas rather than persistent confrontation and institutional sabotage," the party stated. It maintained that criticism of the government must be rooted in credible policy positions and genuine accountability mechanisms, not mere rhetoric or narratives driven by grievance.
On Accountability, Rule of Law, and National Unity
The APC's statement directly addressed the sensitive issue of legal scrutiny facing some opposition figures. It urged opposition parties to demonstrate acceptance of democratic outcomes and respect for the rule of law. The party stressed that accountability processes are a normal feature of democratic governance and should not be dismissed as persecution.
Furthermore, the Lagos APC faulted the opposition's habit of blaming external forces for internal challenges. "Political parties must take responsibility for resolving their organisational and leadership issues rather than attributing failures to institutions or political rivals," the statement read.
On national issues, the party called on opposition leaders to take clear, unequivocal stands against terrorism, violence, and criminality. It warned that selective condemnation or ambiguous rhetoric on security matters only serves to undermine moral authority and public trust.
Defending Governance and Contrasting Approaches
While leveling criticism, the Lagos APC vigorously defended the performance of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government. It stated that the administration remains focused on executing difficult economic reforms, strengthening national security, and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.
The party drew a sharp contrast between what it described as the hard work of governance and the opposition's approach. "While the opposition perfects complaint-writing and grievance-tweeting, the APC-led Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing the unglamorous work of governance," the statement asserted.
It concluded with advice for the opposition, urging a shift in priorities for the new year. "The Lagos APC, therefore, advises the opposition to adopt a New Year resolution rooted in ideas over insults, policy over propaganda, and patriotism over personal vendetta," the party said. It added that Nigeria needs critics, but not those who "mistake volume for value or bitterness for vision."
