APC Fires Back: “Tinubu Too Busy Governing to Meddle in Broken Opposition

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly refuted claims by former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party are orchestrating plots to destabilize opposition parties. In a scathing response delivered Sunday, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka dismissed the allegations as unfounded and accused opposition leaders of being consumed by greed and an unhealthy obsession with power rather than focusing on constructive politics.

Opposition Accusations Lack Evidence, Says APC

The controversy erupted following Tambuwal’s appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Friday, where he accused President Tinubu and the APC of deliberately working to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. The former governor also vowed to collaborate with other opposition figures to defeat the ruling party in the upcoming polls.

However, Morka dismissed these claims as hollow rhetoric from desperate politicians. “With nothing of value to offer Nigerians, these opposition elements have now turned political prophets trumpeting their base wishes and 2027 predictions that only truly portend the devastating defeat that awaits them at the voting thumbs of the good Nigerian electorate,” he stated in his response.

The APC spokesperson emphasized that Tambuwal, like other vocal opposition figures, failed to provide any concrete evidence to support his serious allegations against the ruling party and the president. Morka argued that such unsubstantiated claims reflect the opposition’s inability to engage in meaningful political discourse or offer viable alternatives to current governance approaches.

APC Focuses on Governance, Not Opposition Meddling

Morka categorically stated that President Tinubu and the APC are entirely preoccupied with the critical task of governing Nigeria and have neither the time nor inclination to interfere in the internal affairs of opposition parties. He described the opposition parties as already “badly broken by their own failures and internal contradictions,” suggesting they require no external interference to remain dysfunctional.

“To be clear, for the umpteenth time, President Tinubu and our great Party are preoccupied with the important business of governance and do not have idle time to meddle in the internal affairs of parties that are already badly broken by their own failures and internal contradictions,” Morka emphasized. He added that as a party, the APC would continue strengthening its internal democratic systems to better serve Nigerians.

The ruling party spokesperson highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to rebuilding what he described as “generationally neglected foundations of our economic life” and repositioning Nigeria for sustainable progress. This focus on governance, according to Morka, leaves no room for the kind of political scheming alleged by the opposition.

Critique of Opposition Leadership and Party Management

In a particularly harsh assessment, Morka questioned the leadership credentials of prominent opposition figures, specifically naming Tambuwal, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi. He argued that despite occupying some of the highest political offices in Nigeria, these leaders have “failed, horridly and disgracefully, to provide leadership, purpose, direction and vitality to their parties.”

The APC spokesperson contended that rather than focusing their attention and leadership abilities on building viable opposition parties, these figures prefer to engage in blame games and finger-pointing at the APC for failures that are entirely their own making. He emphasized that effective opposition leadership requires taking responsibility and accountability for party management failures rather than seeking external scapegoats.

Morka further argued that without effective leadership, opposition parties cannot perform their essential democratic roles of promoting government accountability, providing credible policy alternatives, or extending cooperation to the ruling party in pursuit of national progress and the common good. This leadership vacuum, he suggested, undermines the entire opposition’s credibility and effectiveness in Nigeria’s democratic system.

Legal Accountability vs. Political Persecution Claims

The APC response also addressed what it characterized as opposition leaders’ sense of entitlement and belief that their political status should shield them from legal scrutiny. Morka specifically referenced Tambuwal’s recent arrest and ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged cash withdrawals totaling N189 billion in contravention of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2022.

Morka argued that Tambuwal’s suggestion that his EFCC investigation represents a politically-motivated clampdown on the opposition reflects “the obscene and perverse entitlement mentality that these opposition leaders carry.” He emphasized that no member of the political opposition is above the law, just as no citizen enjoys such immunity, and that resorting to emotional blackmail against the government as a shield from lawful scrutiny will not protect anyone from investigation or prosecution for suspected economic crimes.

The APC spokesperson stressed that true opposition politics is not about the freedom to “zap in and out of political parties based on purely selfish political calculations” or to “bandy false narratives, peddle lies and engage in smear campaigns designed to sow discord and mislead the public.” He argued that opposition politics should not involve weaponizing grudges disguised as legitimate political critique.

Coalition Building Challenges and Future Electoral Prospects

Morka concluded his statement by highlighting what he described as the opposition’s failed attempts at building effective coalitions for the 2027 elections. He characterized these coalition efforts as remaining “a figment that is not coalescing due to the hostile takeover of the African Democratic Congress that is now unravelling in crippling dimensions, and the competing selfishness, desperation and arrogance of its leaders.”

The APC spokesperson predicted that opposition parties would continue to lose members “in droves” as they remain in denial about their fundamental problems while drifting “rudderless at sea.” He expressed confidence that Nigerian voters, who he claimed have consistently rejected these opposition figures in previous elections including recent bye-elections, would decisively reject them again in 2027.

This latest exchange represents a significant escalation in the political rhetoric between Nigeria’s ruling party and the opposition as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. The APC’s robust response suggests the ruling party is taking opposition criticism seriously while simultaneously working to undermine their credibility with voters. The ongoing investigation of opposition figures like Tambuwal adds another layer of complexity to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.