The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, accusing him of turning the recent United States designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” into what it described as political theatre.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 4, by its spokesperson, Hon Seye Oladejo, the party said Peter Obi’s reaction to the U.S. decision was belated and lacked the spirit of patriotism expected of a former presidential aspirant.
“True to form, Obi once again attempted to turn a sensitive national issue into political theatre rather than demonstrate statesmanship,” Oladejo said.
According to the APC, Obi’s silence after the U.S. announcement was “deafening” for someone often quick to comment on national issues.
“It uncharacteristically took him some time to respond. For a man always seeking microphones and hashtags, his sudden silence was deafening, until well-meaning Nigerians began to publicly question it,” the party noted.
Oladejo argued that Obi’s eventual statement lacked sincerity and urgency, adding that true leadership is proactive, not reactive.
“A man who claims to desire national leadership should not require public reminders to speak when his nation’s image is at stake. Leadership is proactive, not reactive, and certainly not driven by online agitation,” he said.
The party further accused Obi of finding satisfaction in the country’s challenges, describing his attitude as “sour politics born from electoral heartbreak.”
“Real leaders defend their country in difficult moments. Statesmen balance criticism with dignity and national pride. But Peter Obi appears content only when Nigeria is under pressure, believing every challenge for the nation is an opportunity for his political resurrection,” the statement read.
The Lagos APC said the nation’s security problems were inherited and are now being confronted “with courage and strategy” by President Bola Tinubu.
It listed several government interventions, including:
- Strengthening of military command and intelligence structures;
- Deployment of modern technology and platforms;
- Renewed regional and global security collaboration; and
- Tackling the economic roots of insecurity through reforms.
“While serious leaders are working, Obi and his online choir are rehearsing 2023 grievances and clinging to foreign commentary for political oxygen,” Oladejo added.
‘Peter Obi Must Choose Between Nigeria and Desperation’
The party urged Obi to decide whether he stood with Nigeria or with “his ever-shrinking echo chamber of bitterness and resentment.”
“No serious nation is built on the politics of sulking and sensationalism. His recent behaviour confirms why Nigerians rejected him, leadership demands maturity, not melodrama and delayed outrage,” the APC stated.
The statement concluded with a message of optimism, urging citizens to remain focused on the government’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“Nigeria will not bow to those rooting for its challenges to worsen. Nigeria will succeed, despite those praying for its failure and reacting only when forced by public pressure,” the party said.
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