Stalwart Bucknor-Akerele Slams APC as a Mafia Clan, Not a Political Party
Political Party Label Misconstrued: Bucknor-Akerele Claims APC is Actually a Mafia Organization
In an eyebrow-raising interview with Vanguard, the tough-talking ex-Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, couldn't hold back her feelings about the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Bucknor-Akerele bluntly declared, "I do not think APC is a political party. I believe APC is a mafia organization."
Our outlet reports that Bucknor-Akerele's comments come amidst a wave of political defections from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. She points out a widening disconnect between politicians and the masses, with many elected officials prioritizing their agendas over the needs of those who voted them into office.
"First, I do not know whether more governors are likely to defect. But you have to look at what Adams Oshiomole once said, that once you move into APC, your sins are forgiven. Obviously, they (defectors) have sins that they want to be forgiven. That is why I think they are all moving to APC. Really and truly, I do not feel that the APC is a political party.
"I do not think about these defections. You see, what has happened is that there is a disconnect between the politicians and the people. If you go out in the streets, I am sure you have been out in the streets, you know what the people feel. So, the politicians have their own agenda and they are not listening to the people who elected them. That is the problem we have. By 2027, I am sure we will have a completely different scenario."
On the subject of the coalition against President Bola Tinubu led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bucknor-Akerele stated she is not currently backing any coalition. "I am not in support of any coalition as yet. I think it is too soon for us to be going into coalition. I think we have to look at what is happening before we start coalescing into any new political arrangement.
"I believe that we should wait because I know people will come into the PDP. Because to me, PDP is still the only viable party. We are the only party that has structures on the ground in every single ward in Nigeria."
Interestingly, despite the widespread criticism toward the APC, the party has managed to stay in power since 2015, making history by defeating the incumbent party and going on to re-elect their presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023. The APC is steadfast in its focus on key issues like security, corruption eradication, and economic growth, though criticism persists, particularly regarding frequent defections by politicians from other parties.
"The ongoing defections from the People's Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) show a trend that Adams Oshiomole once noted: sins are forgiven in APC. As Bucknor-Akerele suggests, this could be a significant problem since, despite the frequent political shifts, she does not deem APC a genuine political party.
"Nigeria is witnessing a widening gap between the politicians and the masses, with many elected officials seemingly prioritizing their agendas rather than addressing public needs. This disconnect, Bucknor-Akerele believes, will likely lead to a different political landscape by 2027.
"Although Bucknor-Akerele doesn't currently support any coalition against former President Bola Tinubu's coalition, she asserts the PDP remains the only viable party with structures in every ward across Nigeria.
"The APC has maintained power since 2015, with re-elections for their presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023, but they face ongoing criticism for issues like corruption, security, and economic growth. The constant defections from other parties add to this criticism.
"Bucknor-Akerele's pointed criticism of APC comes in the middle of the upcoming general elections in Abuja, Lagos, and various regions across Nigeria, making her words a noteworthy addition to the ongoing political news and policy-and-legislation discussions in Naija."
