The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe at veteran journalist and politician Dele Momodu, describing him as a “serial political tourist.” This followed Momodu’s recent comments on opposition strategy ahead of the 2027 general election, where he suggested that opposition forces could use ethnic and religious sentiment as a political tool to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC said that while they “thank” Momodu for acknowledging President Tinubu’s political strength, his advice to rely on identity politics is outdated and lacks credibility. The party dismissed Momodu’s political record as weak and inconsistent, pointing to what it described as his “failed auditions for relevance” and “political misadventures” over the years. It argued that someone without a history of electoral success cannot credibly advise opposition parties on how to win an election.
The party further stated that Nigerian voters have become more discerning and are now more focused on competence, vision, performance, and results rather than ethnic or religious affiliations. According to the Lagos APC, leadership is earned through capacity, delivery, and consistency—not through “armchair political analysis” or editorials written from the sidelines. The statement also urged opposition parties not to rely on individuals “who have never won anything—not even a councillorship election.”
The APC maintained that the 2027 election will be a referendum on governance and performance, not a contest of ethnic or religious narratives. It described Momodu’s comments as a reflection of “old political thinking” that has little relevance in today’s political landscape. The party also accused him of jumping from one political platform to another in search of personal relevance, hence the label “serial political tourist.”
Dele Momodu is a well-known publisher, journalist, and political commentator who has made several forays into politics, including contesting for the presidency. However, he has not recorded any major electoral success. His political commentary and media influence have often placed him at the centre of political debates, but critics, including the Lagos APC, argue that influence without electoral structure or victory offers little practical political value.
This exchange reflects deeper tensions within Nigerian politics. On one hand is the debate over whether identity-based politics—rooted in ethnicity and religion—still holds significant sway among voters. On the other hand is the ruling party’s insistence that performance, delivery, and competence are now the major factors that will determine electoral outcomes. By dismissing Momodu’s strategy, the Lagos APC is signaling that it intends to frame the 2027 elections as a contest of achievements rather than sentiment.
For the opposition, this statement serves as both a warning and a challenge. It raises questions about who shapes their strategy and whether they can offer a credible alternative to a ruling party that already controls much of the political structure. For Momodu, it underscores the risks faced by public commentators who step into the political arena without strong grassroots support or electoral success.
Ultimately, the Lagos APC’s decision to brand Momodu a “serial political tourist” is both a rhetorical jab and a strategic message. It reinforces the ruling party’s confidence and highlights the shifting terrain of Nigerian politics, where identity politics may no longer guarantee victory, and performance narratives are becoming more dominant. Whether the opposition can counter this framing and mobilize effectively remains to be seen as the road to 2027 begins to take shape.
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