By Mogaji (Hon) Seye Oladejo
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken note of the criticism by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding the recent remark by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that “democracy is a game.”
It is both surprising and amusing that the ADC has chosen to deliberately misinterpret what was clearly a metaphor describing the competitive nature of democratic politics. Across the world, democracy functions through rules, strategy, participation, and healthy political competition. In that context, describing democracy as a “game” simply underscores the need for political actors to organize, mobilize, and compete within established democratic rules.
Unfortunately, rather than engage in meaningful political discourse, the ADC has opted for sensationalism and distortion-an approach that appears to have become its most visible political strategy.
Indeed, we must commend the leadership of the ADC for their occasional comic relief, as they continue to maintain their unenviable status as one of the jokes of our democratic process. Nigerians watch with amusement the creative theatrics of some of their leaders who, in their desperate bid to manufacture relevance, spend time in the social media space staging photo opportunities-pricing groundnuts by the roadside or buying roasted corn-in a contrived attempt to appear connected to the masses.
Such poorly scripted performances may generate momentary online attention, but they hardly substitute for credible leadership, genuine grassroots engagement, or meaningful political organization. Nigerians are politically discerning, and no one is deceived by such theatrics.
The people of Lagos State and Nigerians at large are well aware of the democratic credentials of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As one of the key figures in Nigeria’s democratic struggle and a consistent advocate for political pluralism and institutional development, his commitment to democracy is beyond question.
It is therefore ironic that a party with little electoral relevance would attempt to lecture a statesman whose political journey has significantly shaped Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
Instead of clinging to straws and manufacturing controversy, the ADC should channel its energy into building credible political structures and presenting meaningful alternatives to the electorate.
The APC remains committed to the principles of democratic competition, rule of law, and respect for the will of the people-values that continue to guide the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Mogaji (Hon) Seye Oladejo
Lagos APC Spokesman