The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe at the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for faulting President Bola Tinubu’s recent vacation in Europe.
President Tinubu departed Abuja on Thursday for a 10-day working holiday, described as part of his 2025 annual leave. Obi, however, questioned the necessity of the trip, arguing that the president’s frequent travels suggest indifference to the pressing economic and security challenges confronting the country.
Reacting in a statement on Saturday, APC’s Publicity Secretary in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, accused Obi of turning every national issue into a political talking point.
“The APC notes with concern the opportunistic commentary that has become Obi’s political trademark. His attempt to link the president’s private vacation to the state of national security is reckless and misplaced,” Oladejo said.
He added that governance does not stop because a president takes time off, noting that Tinubu remains in constant touch with his security and intelligence teams.
“Must Obi comment on everything? President Tinubu, like any leader, remains fully briefed and engaged even while on vacation. Mr Obi knows this but prefers posturing to pragmatism,” he said.
The party spokesman further argued that Obi’s criticisms were less about patriotism and more about staying relevant in the political space. According to him, Obi often reduces complex governance issues to “mere soundbites designed for social media applause.”
“It is time his handlers cautioned him. A statesman cannot afford to sound perpetually agitated or misinformed. Leadership requires depth, not endless complaints,” Oladejo stressed.
While insisting that the Tinubu administration is working to rebuild the economy, strengthen national security, and restore institutional trust, Oladejo dismissed Obi’s interventions as lacking substance.
“No policies, no proposals – just sermons and reactionary remarks. That is not leadership; it is simply noise,” he declared.
He advised Obi to focus on making constructive contributions rather than weakening public discourse with “knee-jerk statements.”
“Nigeria needs responsible opposition, not professional complainers. If Mr Obi has useful ideas, let him present them sensibly. Otherwise, silence may be more honourable,” Oladejo added.
The Lagos APC maintained that the Tinubu government remains focused on governance and not on what it described as “theatrics of political opportunism.”
