The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged the democratic credentials of former presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, arguing that neither played a significant role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesman, Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo, the party said democracy is sustained by consistency, sacrifice, respect for institutions and loyalty to the will of the people, not by what it described as “selective outrage” or “convenience-driven politics.”
According to the Lagos APC, a review of Nigeria’s democratic history shows that both Obi and Atiku were largely absent during the pro-democracy movement that culminated in the return to civilian rule. The party noted that while others faced detention, exile, intimidation and loss of livelihood under military rule, neither of the two politicians was visibly involved in those struggles.
The statement further argued that it is inappropriate for political actors who did not participate in the fight against military dictatorship to now claim moral authority over Nigeria’s democracy.
On Peter Obi, the APC said his movement across several political parties over the years raised questions about ideological consistency and conviction. It added that democracy requires patience, maturity and respect for institutions, particularly when electoral outcomes are unfavourable.
The party was more critical of Atiku Abubakar’s long-standing presidential ambitions, noting that his multiple defections across major political platforms reflect what it described as ambition without a firm ideological foundation. The Lagos APC described it as ironic for Atiku, who has occupied key positions within the political system, to now portray himself as a victim of structures he once helped to shape.
The APC also faulted recent opposition coalitions involving the two politicians, describing them as fragile alliances driven by dissatisfaction with electoral outcomes rather than shared ideology or national vision.
According to the statement, democracy is not measured by post-election protests or rhetoric, but by responsible conduct before, during and after elections, including respect for the rule of law and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
“The country needs statesmen, not serial aspirants,” the statement said, adding that history would favour those who respected democratic struggles, honoured institutions and accepted electoral outcomes.
The Lagos APC concluded by challenging both Obi and Atiku to publicly present their democratic credentials to Nigerians “without embellishment or fairytales.”
The statement was signed by Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo, Lagos APC spokesman, and dated January 21, 2026.
