A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Seye Oladejo, has criticized Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over the recent controversy surrounding his airport CCTV claims, arguing that credibility remains the most important asset for anyone seeking Nigeria’s highest office.
In an opinion piece titled “Peter Obi’s CCTV Exposé: You Can’t Lie Your Way to the Presidency,” Oladejo maintained that politics is built on trust, stressing that every campaign promise, policy proposal and appeal for public support must be anchored on credibility.
According to him, the CCTV controversy surrounding Obi raises serious questions about consistency, accountability and honesty in public leadership.
Oladejo argued that the presidency is not “an acting competition where emotional anecdotes can substitute for truth,” but an office that demands integrity, responsibility and unwavering commitment to factual accuracy.
He alleged that the episode reflects what he described as a pattern in which Obi allegedly prioritizes political convenience over accuracy, adding that public officials and presidential aspirants should always be held to the highest standards of truthfulness.
The APC stalwart further contended that democracy flourishes when political competition is driven by ideas, competence and verifiable records rather than narratives designed to sway public emotions.
He also criticized sections of Obi’s supporters, accusing them of resorting to online attacks against critics instead of addressing the issues raised by the controversy.
According to Oladejo, abuse on social media cannot erase facts or replace evidence, insisting that accountability should remain central to democratic engagement.
He emphasized that Nigerians have become increasingly discerning, noting that technology has made it easier for citizens to verify public claims and scrutinize statements made by political leaders.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Oladejo urged Nigerians to subject every presidential aspirant to rigorous scrutiny, insisting that voters should prioritize truth, competence, integrity and credibility over emotional rhetoric or carefully managed public relations campaigns.
He also defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the President earned his office through years of political organization, coalition building and democratic participation, while noting that his administration continues to pursue reforms aimed at long-term national development.
While acknowledging the constitutional role of the opposition in strengthening democracy, Oladejo maintained that the quest for power must be based on truth, responsible engagement and credibility rather than what he described as sensational narratives.
He concluded that the CCTV controversy serves as a reminder that leadership is founded on trust, insisting that no aspirant can secure the confidence of Nigerians through falsehoods.
According to him, “Nigerians are not looking for the most dramatic storyteller. They are looking for a leader they can trust.”
