APC Chieftain Criticises Peter Obi’s Arise TV Interview, Questions Policy Dept
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Mogaji ‘Seye Oladejo, has criticised the recent television interview featuring Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni.
In a statement titled “That Rufai Oseni/Peter Obi Interview: My Nominee for the 2026 Oscar Award,” Oladejo described the interview as a political performance that exposed what he termed a lack of concrete policy alternatives on key national issues.
According to him, Nigerians expected clear and detailed responses from Obi on critical matters such as power generation, security, economic recovery, fiscal policy and national development. He argued that the former Anambra State governor failed to provide specific solutions, relying instead on broad assurances and appeals for public trust.
Oladejo maintained that trust alone cannot substitute for policy direction, preparation and a well-defined governance agenda, especially for someone seeking the nation’s highest office.
The APC chieftain further contended that Nigeria’s complex challenges—including insecurity, unemployment, inflation and industrial development—require practical solutions and demonstrable competence rather than political rhetoric.
Defending the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oladejo said the government has undertaken difficult but necessary reforms aimed at addressing long-standing structural challenges in the economy. He cited the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange market reforms, infrastructure investments and efforts to strengthen the fiscal capacity of sub-national governments as examples of decisive leadership.
While acknowledging that no government is beyond criticism, he stressed that opposition figures must present credible and detailed alternatives rather than focus solely on critiquing the administration.
Oladejo also questioned the role of Obi’s advisers, arguing that they had failed to adequately prepare him for major public engagements. He alleged that repeated controversies surrounding some of Obi’s public statements and data presentations had raised concerns about the quality of counsel available to him.
The APC stalwart concluded that the interview highlighted what he described as the distinction between popularity and preparedness, insisting that the office of the President demands competence, sound judgment and a thorough understanding of national issues.
He maintained that the interview reinforced his belief that Nigerians made the right choice in the 2023 presidential election and called for greater emphasis on policy substance and governance solutions in the nation’s political discourse.
