The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, over his reaction to the recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the United States government.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s spokesperson, Hon. Seye Oladejo, accused Obi of turning a sensitive national issue into what it described as “political theatre,” rather than demonstrating maturity and statesmanship.
Oladejo noted that Obi’s delayed response to the U.S. report raised questions about his motives, claiming that the former Anambra State governor only spoke after facing public pressure.
“It is clear that Obi did not speak out of patriotic instinct, but out of fear of public criticism and a desire to sustain his social media relevance,” Oladejo stated.
According to the Lagos APC, Obi’s reaction lacked sincerity, urgency, and any spirit of national unity expected of someone who aspires to leadership. The party maintained that genuine leaders defend their country in difficult times rather than exploit national challenges for political advantage.
“Real leaders defend their country in difficult moments. Statesmen balance criticism with dignity and national pride. But Peter Obi seems content only when Nigeria is under pressure, seeing every challenge as an opportunity for his political resurrection. That is not patriotism—it is sour politics born from electoral heartbreak,” the statement added.
The APC also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the country, describing his approach as strategic and reform-driven. The statement listed several areas of progress, including the strengthening of military and intelligence structures, deployment of modern security technology, and regional cooperation initiatives.
“Nigeria’s security challenges did not start yesterday. President Tinubu is confronting them with courage and strategy while Obi and his online followers continue to recycle 2023 grievances and rely on foreign commentary for political oxygen,” Oladejo asserted.
The Lagos APC spokesperson further urged Obi to decide whether he stands with Nigeria or with what he called “an echo chamber of bitterness and resentment.”
“Leadership demands maturity, not melodrama and delayed outrage,” he said. “Nigeria will not bow to those who profit politically from its challenges. The Renewed Hope agenda is on course, and our nation will succeed — with or without the naysayers.”
