Rise above politicised commentaries, Lagos APC tells Peter Obi

All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos has charged the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, and its party to rise above politicised commentaries and contribute meaningfully to national discourse.

According to the party, “Nigerians deserve sober reflection, not alarmist rhetoric”.

Spokesperson of the Lagos APC, Mogaji Seye Oladejo gave the charge in a statement issued on Thursday while reacting to the remarks made by Peter Obi on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official trip abroad.

With the statement, Oladejo held that the former Anambra Governor has demonstrated a persistent misunderstanding of governance and global diplomacy.

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He argued that President Tinubu remains fully committed to the service of the Nigerian people, whether from Abuja, Yokohama, or anywhere his duty calls.

The statement read, “President Tinubu’s current travel itinerary is not a leisure tour, as Mr. Obi has insinuated, but part of a strategic international engagement to reposition Nigeria on the global economic and diplomatic stage.

“At a time when our nation is seeking partnerships, investments, and solutions to shared global challenges, the presence of our President at multilateral forums like the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) is not only appropriate — it is essential.

“We remind Mr Obi that leadership in the 21st century does not operate in isolation. Our challenges — economic revitalisation, climate resilience, energy access, and security cooperation — require international collaboration, not insular thinking. President Tinubu’s engagements with foreign leaders are informed by a vision of building a stable, secure, and prosperous Nigeria, with partners who understand our reality and are willing to support us.

“Mr Obi, who has toured foreign capitals in search of sympathy for a rejected electoral bid, should understand that diplomacy is not optional — it is a duty of leadership. While he asks why the President visits foreign countries, we ask why he consistently disregards the significance of high-level diplomacy in attracting aid, forging security partnerships, and expanding trade.”

He highlighted some of the achievements of Tinubu’s administration

These include, “Rather than distort facts, Mr. Obi should acknowledge the visible progress being made in the stabilization of the naira and moderation of inflation, and attracting multi-billion-dollar commitments in infrastructure, energy, and digital economy.

“This current administration has improved bilateral security cooperation, especially in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.

“Let it be clear: Nigeria is not bleeding. Nigeria is rebuilding, and that work is being done both at home and abroad. The President’s travel schedule reflects a strategic prioritization of Nigeria’s long-term interests, not neglect.”