Tobiloke Shodipe-Dosunmu was the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the Federal House of Representatives for Lagos Island 1 in the 2023 poll. He recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his decision is based on the strong organisational structure of the party and institutional reforms of President Bola Tinubu.

In this exclusive interview with INIOBONG IWOK, he spoke on the state of the nation, his new political sojourn ahead of 2027, why the crisis in the LP is unresolvable among other issues. Excerpts:

You recently moved to the APC with your supporters, why are you dumping the LP?

Firstly, I moved to the APC in July 2023. I was invited by Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro (IBO), former member of House of Representatives and Moshood Kayode Akiolu (KMA) both of whom are not only my leaders but also brothers running the same Lagos island blood.

I decided to dump the LP because of the lacklustre leadership style of the party coupled with the crisis between the two factions in the LP. No serious politician will waste his time in LP as the leadership tussle has exposed the incapacity of its leaders. My decision to choose and join APC is based on the strong organizational structure of the party and the many institutional reforms of Mr President which is reassuring.

Moreover my people on the Island who stood by me had pleaded for me to join the progressives and be a part of the revolution in Lagos Island and that’s what informed my decision.

How confident are you that your interest and supporters would be taken care of in the APC, knowing the party’s history with the imposition of candidates among others?

I’m very confident that my interest and that of my supporters will be taken care of. The party has already shown a sense of comraderie by integrating me and few of my supporters into the state party operations.

I was a part of the Lagos Island electioneering committee who presided over the APC Local Government Primaries in Apapa with Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro as the head of that committee, I’m also looking forward to more people oriented responsibilities from the party.

Many Nigerians are worried about the wave of defection of opposition politicians to the ruling party, fearing the country could slide to one party state. What is your take?

My take is that sugar attracts ants because it carries value. If you check all the reforms being undertaken by Mr President since his inception, you will agree with me that they are enough for any serious politician to know that the APC will only grow bigger and more influential and most importantly it’s setting Nigeria on a developmental trajectory that has never happened before.

So, tell me who won’t jump ship seeing these great strides.

As regards the country becoming a one party State, that’s not possible as we have over 20 political parties in existence.

Your former party the LP has been marred by leadership crisis since after the 2023 poll, why is the crisis unsolvable since then?

I believe the party couldn’t consolidate on its gains from 2023 largely because of selfishness, greed and a non-existent solid party structure.

Most of the problems emanate from insincerity on the path of some leaders. Moreover, the “we no dey give shishi” mantra of the leader of the party was a coy to not financially back the party and its candidates to victory.

Something that worked against them in the 2023 elections and for me, the leaders lack foresight and are grossly insincere to their teeming followers.

How do you explain Peter Obi hobnobbing with the ADC that alone is a grave pointer to their unseriousness as a party.

You were a candidate in the 2023 polls, there is a move to amend the Electoral Act, what changes would you love to see?

I would love to see all elections conducted in a day at the same time.

What is your take on President Bola Tinubu reforms and the administration’s overall performance?

He has performed considerably well. His reforms are not targeted at short term gains but long term. He has excelled with the petroleum and subsidy removal, gradually putting the economy back into shape, student loans, infrastructure etc.

He needs our prayers and support to do more especially in the area of insecurity. For the first time in decades, I can say we have a Real President.

What is your take on the spate of insecurity in the country, especially the surge in kidnapping and killings?

Security is everybody’s business. It’s unfortunate the killings are on the increase which might be attributed to Trump’s statement.

Notwithstanding, all hands must be on deck to get results. From the way he’s restructured the military architecture and his cooperation with other countries, the menace of kidnapping, banditry will be a thing of the past.

Moreover, his proposition of state policing will also be productive in the fight against crime across the federation.

Many of your supporters want to know if you would contest in the 2027 general election. What is your take?

Firstly, I want all my supporters to know that “I’m Fully APC” and now that we are a part of the moving train, we will not be left out.

Also, I am still studying the terrain; moreover, this is not time for elections and electioneering but a time to be in solidarity with the country and citizens in the face of killings and kidnapping which regrettably has caused pain to our people and country. When the time is ripe you will be the first to know my plans for 2027.

With the spate of insecurity, don’t you think Nigeria needs foreign in intervention or support?

The situation in Nigeria is complex, and it’s clear that our country is facing significant challenges. Foreign intervention or support could potentially play a role in addressing these issues, but it’s also important to consider the potential implications and risks involved in it.

Ultimately it’s a delicate balance, and ultimately, the Nigerian people and our government will need to determine the best path forward