In a statement on Friday, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) urged Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to abandon what it described as “alarmist rhetoric” and join efforts to advance Nigeria’s development.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, criticised Obi’s recent remarks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign trips, particularly his participation at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan. Oladejo said the comments reflected a shallow grasp of governance and the role of international diplomacy in nation-building.
He explained that Tinubu’s overseas engagements were not luxury excursions but strategic missions to strengthen Nigeria’s economic prospects, improve energy access, boost climate adaptation efforts, and enhance security through partnerships with other nations.
Oladejo accused Obi of focusing on overseas publicity tours while seeking public sympathy rather than offering practical solutions. “Rather than help drive constructive debate, he seems intent on stoking public fear,” the APC spokesman said.
Highlighting the administration’s record, Oladejo pointed to a more stable naira, easing inflation, and the attraction of multibillion-dollar investments in infrastructure, energy, and the digital economy. He added that the President’s diplomatic initiatives had deepened bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism, organised crime, and cross-border threats.
“Contrary to the opposition’s claims, Nigeria is not bleeding. Nigeria is rebuilding. President Tinubu has shown capable leadership at home and abroad, and it is only fair for all well-meaning Nigerians to rally behind his vision,” Oladejo concluded.