Former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has called for a departure from the era of recycled politicians, urging Nigerians to demand reform-minded, policy-driven leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Akande expressed concern over the current state of opposition politics, stating that despite its shortcomings, the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains more structurally prepared to retain power than its disjointed rivals.
“We need new faces, but they still have old folks,” Akande said, referencing the opposition’s continued dependence on familiar political actors.
“The characters at the forefront are not the ones that can get the job done. Nigerians would not be inspired by the same old personal vendetta politics.”
His comments come on the heels of remarks by Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, who recently hinted that Peter Obi might contest the 2027 presidency without him. Akande interpreted the statement as further evidence of internal cracks within the Labour Party.
“If the coalition is serious, Datti should be at the forefront to assure Nigerians of real change,” he said.
Akande faulted the opposition for its lack of coherence, a clear manifesto, and political identity, arguing that the APC despite its flaws appears more strategically aligned and better organised.
“I think APC has better arrangements. While the APC has issues, the opposition appears disorganised and without a clear direction,” he added.
He also criticised the opposition for focusing more on unseating President Bola Tinubu than offering viable alternatives to address the country’s pressing issues.
“The opposition has allowed a dominant narrative to thrive one that appears focused solely on unseating President Tinubu without presenting viable policy alternatives,” he stated.
On internal dynamics within the ruling APC, Akande acknowledged ongoing restructuring efforts, including the anticipated appointment of a new national chairman, which he believes could strengthen Tinubu’s leadership and consolidate party unity.
“There’s a visible onslaught toward the APC, but it’s easier to see where things are headed within the ruling party,” he said.
Akande concluded by urging political stakeholders and citizens to embrace issue-based politics and enhance civic engagement, advocating for anti-corruption reforms, institutional strengthening, and poverty alleviation as key priorities for the upcoming electoral cycle.
