Lagos APC: Obi exploiting US designation of Nigeria for cheap politics

The Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, over his comments on the recent decision by the United States to label Nigeria as a “country of particular concern”.

On Monday, Obi said the declaration by the US, indicating possible military action, underscored the gravity of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

The former Anambra governor also criticised the APC-led federal government for “lacking the competence and moral will” to steer the country towards peace and justice.

Reacting on Tuesday, Seye Oladejo, spokesperson of the Lagos APC, accused Obi of “turning a sensitive national matter into political theatre” rather than demonstrating leadership.

Oladejo said Obi’s reaction came “too late and too shallow”, adding that his eventual comment was driven by “public pressure rather than patriotic instinct”.

“For a man always chasing microphones and hashtags, his sudden silence was deafening until Nigerians began to question it,” he said in a statement.

“It is clear that Obi did not speak out of national concern but out of fear of being exposed for his double standards. His reaction lacked sincerity, urgency, and any semblance of unifying spirit.”

The party said genuine leaders defend their country in difficult moments, adding that Obi’s approach reflected “melodrama, not maturity”.

“A man who claims to seek national leadership should not need public reminders before defending his country,” Oladejo said.

“Leadership is proactive, not reactive — and certainly not driven by online agitation.”

The APC spokesperson accused Obi of finding comfort in Nigeria’s challenges, saying the former Anambra governor “appears happy only when the country faces difficulties”.

“Real leaders balance criticism with dignity and patriotism. But Obi thrives politically when Nigeria struggles,” he said.

“That is not patriotism; it’s politics of bitterness born from electoral heartbreak.”

Oladejo defended President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the insecurity challenge, saying the current administration inherited the problem but has shown a commitment to addressing it.

“President Tinubu is confronting insecurity with courage and strategy — strengthening the military, deploying modern technology, and rebuilding regional alliances,” he said.

“While serious leaders are working, Obi and his online choir are stuck in 2023, feeding off foreign commentary for political oxygen.”

The party challenged Obi to “choose between standing with Nigeria or clinging to resentment”.

“No serious nation is built on sulking and sensationalism,” Oladejo said.

“Obi’s behaviour shows why Nigerians rejected him. Leadership demands maturity, not melodrama and delayed outrage.”

He added that Nigeria’s success would not depend on “those praying for its failure”.

“Nigeria will rise, with or without the naysayers,” he said.

“We urge citizens to stay focused on the Renewed Hope agenda and ignore those who profit politically from national difficulty.”