The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned former presidential candidate Peter Obi against what it described as “habitual knee-jerk reactions” to national issues.
The party has urged him to adopt a more constructive approach to opposition politics.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the party’s spokesperson, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, was reacting to Obi’s recent comments questioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s private vacation and its purported link to the country’s security challenges.
Oladejo argued that Nigerians deserve a credible and responsible opposition, not what he termed “a professional complainer-in-chief.”
“He insisted that Obi’s persistent criticism of the president reflected “political desperation rather than genuine patriotism.”
“Must Peter Obi comment on everything?” he asked. “Nigerians are not deceived. His constant moralising of the President’s every move is less about patriotism and more about seeking cheap relevance.
“By attempting to paint himself as the nation’s conscience, he trivialises governance and reduces complex issues to social media talking points.”
The APC spokesman stressed that President Tinubu remained firmly in control of governance despite being on a short vacation, noting that modern leadership allows presidents to remain connected with security and intelligence teams at all times.
“Mr Obi knows this, but he prefers posturing over pragmatism. Leadership also requires knowing when to speak, how to speak, and when silence is the better choice.
“Unfortunately, Obi appears to believe that his political relevance depends on reacting to every government action or inaction, regardless of context or consequence,” he said.
Oladejo advised Obi’s aides to guide him on how he engages with the public, warning that his constant agitation and reactionary remarks could damage his image as a statesman.
He further emphasised that the APC-led administration remains focused on economic recovery, national security, and restoring confidence in public institutions, while accusing Obi of offering “nothing beyond soundbites, sermons, and perpetual complaints.”
“Peter Obi’s comments amount to noise, not leadership or patriotism,” Oladejo declared. “If he has meaningful contributions to make, let him present them responsibly.
“Otherwise, silence is an honourable option. For us in the APC, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our focus remains on governance, not political theatre.”