The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has harshly criticized Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accusing him of exploiting Nigeria’s challenges for political gain.
The APC blasted Obi for his comments on the United States’ decision to label Nigeria a “country of particular concern” and Donald Trump’s reported threats of possible military intervention in the region.
In a statement released Tuesday by its spokesman, Hon. Seye Oladejo, the APC accused Obi of turning a sensitive national security matter into “political theatre.” The party said his response was insincere and driven by social media pressure, not patriotism.
Oladejo wrote, “For a man always seeking microphones and hashtags, his sudden silence was deafening until Nigerians questioned it. It’s clear Obi spoke out of fear of public backlash, not out of national concern.”
The APC added that Obi’s reaction came “too little, too late,” describing it as another example of his “predictable political opportunism.”
According to the statement, “Leadership is proactive, not reactive. A true leader doesn’t wait for online outrage before defending his country.”
The party accused Obi of taking pleasure in national distress, saying, “Peter Obi seems happiest when Nigeria faces hardship. Real leaders defend their nation during crises, not exploit them for sympathy.”
It also alleged that the former Anambra governor’s recent statements show that “he views every national problem as a political resurrection opportunity,” calling it “a symptom of post-election bitterness.”
The Lagos APC, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for confronting Nigeria’s security and diplomatic challenges “with courage and strategy.” The statement said Tinubu’s administration has strengthened the military, invested in modern technology, and expanded global partnerships to tackle insecurity.
It added, “While Obi and his online supporters cling to foreign headlines, President Tinubu is taking real action to protect the country. Insecurity didn’t start yesterday, but this administration is facing it head-on.”
The party challenged Obi to “choose between Nigeria and desperation,” warning that “no serious nation can thrive on politics of sulking and sensationalism.”
The statement concluded, “Nigerians rejected Peter Obi because leadership requires maturity, not melodrama. Our country will triumph with or without naysayers who wish it otherwise.”
Peter Obi had earlier expressed concern over the U.S. designation, calling it a “serious matter that should worry every patriotic Nigerian.” He cited Amnesty International’s reports on widespread killings since May 2023 and blamed the Tinubu-led government for failing to secure lives and property.
Obi urged diplomatic dialogue between Nigeria and the United States to strengthen cooperation on democracy, security, and peace.
