Political strategist and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sule-Iko Sami, has criticised Nigeria’s opposition parties, describing their activities as “an adventure” rather than structured political engagement capable of offering credible alternatives to the ruling party.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, Sami argued that opposition figures, including Peter Obi and his associates, have failed to perform what he described as the core responsibilities of opposition politics, which he said include policy formulation and constructive criticism of government actions.
“The only thing I can say is that when someone is engaged in an adventure, just the way Peter Obi and his likes are, they aren’t looking at the real function of an opposition.
”An opposition is supposed to provide alternative policies, challenge the government where necessary, and bring alternative views that Nigerians are yearning for,” he said.
Defending the administration of President Bola Tinubu, Sami said the government’s economic reforms demonstrate a clearer direction for national development when compared to opposition rhetoric.
“In my opinion, when you look at the concrete policies of Asiwaju from energy subsidy removal to foreign exchange, infrastructure, and education funding programmes like ELBC, these give us a sense of a future for Nigerian youth,” he stated.
He further challenged opposition groups to present detailed alternatives rather than focus on power acquisition.
“On the other side, the only thing people are targeting is how to destabilize our political structure.
”They should ask themselves: ‘What are your plans for Nigerians? Do you have a better programme for the fuel subsidy or a way to strengthen the Naira better than Asiwaju is currently doing?’
” If they don’t have alternatives, they’re just looking for power,” he said, urging young Nigerians to support the APC’s economic direction despite initial hardship.
Responding to Peter Obi’s repeated claim that he seeks to “rescue Nigeria,” Sami questioned the credibility of such statements, pointing to Obi’s history of political party changes.
“When someone talks about ‘rescuing Nigeria’ while moving through seven different parties without a clear agenda or manifesto that attracts the youth, it raises questions,” he said.
Sami also urged Nigerians to assess government performance based on economic indicators such as revenue growth, exchange rate stability, and infrastructure development, rather than political narratives.
“We shouldn’t just look at news narratives; let’s look at the actual economy how it’s growing, the stability of foreign exchange, and government revenue,” he said.
He added that every administration faces challenges but insisted that the current policies are publicly available for scrutiny.
He called on the opposition to engage in issue-based debates rather than what he described as power-seeking politics.
Addressing internal party matters, Sami said the APC maintains stability by resolving disputes within its structures instead of resorting to litigation.
“Crisis in a political party usually comes from how it’s set up. You have to ensure that all internal issues are addressed within the party rather than going to court.
The APC has harmony in its structure and leadership. We follow the rules, the law, and the constitution,” he maintained.
On concerns about Nigeria drifting toward a one-party system, Sami rejected the suggestion, arguing that political alignments are fluid and not indicative of democratic decline.
“We’re not desperate. Any talk of ‘crisis’ in places like Kogi is often just contestants competing. We want every Nigerian governor interested in progress to join us,” he said.
He also dismissed reports of political violence in Kebbi State, describing them as minor altercations rather than organised unrest, and insisting that the state has remained largely peaceful since 2023.
“There was no violence. Sometimes, during political movements outside of campaign season, people might have minor scuffles among themselves, but that’s not violence in the state,” he said.
Sami further expressed confidence that the APC would maintain its dominance in Kebbi State, citing ongoing infrastructure projects and what he described as strong public support for Governor Nasir Idris.
“No, and for several reasons. I’m from Kebbi South, which was once disadvantaged in terms of infrastructure. Today, the governor has built infrastructure connecting my zone to the capital,” he noted.
He praised the governor’s leadership style, describing him as disciplined, consistent, and delivery-focused.
“He’s the only governor today that will tell you by 7:00 so-and-so thing will be done in the state, and by 7:00 it will be done,” Sami said.
Reaffirming his support for the APC, he said the party remains united and confident of continued electoral strength.
“I am a strong, not just an ally, I’m a supporter and I’m a committed ally of APC in Nigeria and Kebbi State,” he concluded.
