The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former Sokoto State Governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, describing him and other opposition figures as the major problem bedeviling Nigeria’s opposition politics.
The party’s position followed a televised interview in which Tambuwal accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC of allegedly plotting to destabilise opposition parties. Tambuwal also boasted that the opposition would defeat Tinubu and the ruling party in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed Tambuwal’s remarks as baseless, noting that the former governor offered no proof to substantiate his claims.
“By their inert and lackluster engagement, it is now clear to Nigerians that the present crop of opposition leaders have lost focus, assuming they ever had any, aside from their compulsive and obsessive crave for power and patronage that feed their huge ego and greed,” Morka said.
The ruling party argued that opposition politics should not be reduced to peddling false narratives, smear campaigns, or constant movement between political parties for personal gain. Instead, the APC said, opposition leaders have a duty to provide leadership, develop credible policy alternatives, and hold government accountable in line with democratic norms.
Morka listed Tambuwal alongside other opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-FCT Minister Nasir El-Rufai, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, accusing them of failing to provide purposeful leadership to their parties.
The statement also addressed Tambuwal’s recent encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The APC said his claim that his arrest and investigation over alleged cash withdrawals totalling N189 billion amounted to political persecution was an attempt at “emotional blackmail.”
“No member of the political opposition is above the law just like no citizen is above the law. Resorting to emotional blackmail against the government as a device to shield himself or anyone from lawful scrutiny, investigation or prosecution for suspected heinous economic crimes will not and should not cut it as opposition sacred cows,” Morka stressed.
The APC further maintained that President Tinubu and the party are focused on governance and rebuilding the economy, not interfering in opposition affairs.
According to the statement, internal contradictions and selfishness among opposition leaders have weakened their parties, making any talk of a coalition unrealistic.
“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,” the party declared.
Morka added that while opposition parties remain divided, the APC would continue to strengthen its internal democracy and support President Tinubu’s efforts to reposition the country for sustainable progress.
