LAGOS — The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has cautioned former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against what it described as his “habitual knee-jerk reactions” to national issues, urging him to embrace a more constructive brand of opposition politics.
In a statement on Tuesday, APC spokesperson, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, faulted Obi’s recent criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s private vacation, dismissing claims that it was linked to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Oladejo argued that Nigerians deserve “credible and responsible opposition,” not what he termed “a professional complainer-in-chief,” adding that Obi’s constant attacks on the president reflect political desperation rather than patriotism.
“Must Peter Obi comment on everything?” Oladejo 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 spokesperson maintained that Tinubu remains fully in charge of state matters despite being on vacation, stressing that modern governance allows leaders to stay connected with security and intelligence teams wherever they are.
“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,” Oladejo added.
He further advised Obi’s aides to guide their principal on his style of engagement, warning that constant agitation and reactionary remarks risk eroding his statesmanlike image.
While highlighting the APC-led government’s focus on economic recovery, national security, and restoring trust in public institutions, Oladejo accused Obi of offering “nothing beyond soundbites, sermons, and perpetual complaints” without providing tangible policy alternatives.
“Peter Obi’s comments amount to noise, not leadership or patriotism,” he 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 President Tinubu, our priority remains governance, not political theatre.”
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