The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to comments made by former presidential candidate Dele Momodu, describing him as a “serial political tourist” lacking the credentials to offer strategic advice on defeating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Momodu had suggested that the opposition should play the ethnic and religious cards to win the election. However, the APC’s state spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, countered that ethnic politics would not be enough to defeat President Tinubu’s performance record.

Oladejo noted that Momodu’s own political history is marked by experiments, misadventures, and failed attempts at relevance, questioning his authority to lecture on political strategy. He also pointed out that Momodu’s electoral outings have been unsuccessful, with his polling agents unable to locate his tally on the result sheet.

The APC spokesman emphasized that the days of using ethnicity as a shortcut to power are over, as the Nigerian electorate has evolved to focus on who can deliver results, rather than who can divide the nation. He highlighted President Tinubu’s efforts to rebuild Nigeria on the foundation of equity, inclusion, and reform, citing infrastructural renewal, economic stabilization, and social investment as examples.

Oladejo advised Momodu to rediscover his own political direction before offering advice to others. He also cautioned the opposition against listening to those who have never won an election, stating that the 2027 election will be a referendum on competence and performance, rather than ethnicity or nostalgia.

The APC’s response suggests that the party is confident in President Tinubu’s performance record and is prepared to face the opposition in the 2027 election. The exchange between the APC and Momodu reflects the ongoing political dynamics in Nigeria, where ethnicity and performance are increasingly becoming key factors in electoral contests. As the country approaches the 2027 election, the debate over the role of ethnicity and performance in politics is likely to continue.