The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, over his reaction to the recent designation of Nigeria by the United States as a “country of particular concern.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the party accused Obi of turning a sensitive national issue into what it described as “political theatre” rather than demonstrating statesmanship.
Oladejo said the former Anambra State governor’s response to the U.S. report was belated and driven by public pressure rather than patriotism. “For a man always seeking microphones and hashtags, his sudden silence was deafening—until well-meaning Nigerians began to publicly question it,” he said.
The Lagos APC spokesman argued that Obi’s reaction lacked sincerity and urgency, noting that “a man who claims to desire national leadership should not require public reminders to speak when his nation’s image is at stake.”
He further stated that true leadership demands proactive defence of the country in difficult moments, adding that “real leaders defend their country; statesmen balance criticism with dignity and national pride.”
According to Oladejo, President Bola Tinubu is confronting Nigeria’s security challenges with “courage and strategy,” through the strengthening of military command structures, modernisation of security operations, and regional collaborations.
“While serious leaders are working, Obi and his online choir are rehearsing 2023 grievances and clinging to foreign commentary for political oxygen,” the statement read.
The Lagos APC urged Nigerians to remain focused on the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope agenda and to “reject individuals who profit politically from national difficulty.”
“Nigeria will succeed despite those praying for its failure and reacting only when forced by public pressure,” Oladejo added.
