The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress has said Nigeria’s national interest must always take precedence over partisan politics.
The party remarked while reacting to comments by the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, on the recent US designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” and the accompanying threat of possible military action.
Amid heightened global attention on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria and a recent statement by US President Donald Trump threatening possible intervention, Obi had expressed concern over the development.
It can be recalled that Obi, in a post on X on Monday, described the US designation as “deeply concerning,” expressing worry over insecurity while urging the government to protect citizens’ lives and freedoms.
Obi added, “While the insecurity did not start with the present government, what is most unfortunate is the lack and absence of competence, commitment, prudent use of resources, patriotism and passion on the part of APC-led government/leaders to effectively govern, galvanise and lead Nigeria where no one is unwarrantedly oppressed and killed — a nation where peace, truth and justice reign.”
He urged both Nigeria and the United States to pursue “constructive diplomatic and any other plausible engagement” to address the disturbing security situation.
The APC’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, said sensitive national issues should not be politicised.
He said that Obi’s statement on the matter reflected “selective outrage” and an attempt to exploit a sensitive national issue for political relevance rather than demonstrate statesmanship.
Oladejo accused Obi of grandstanding and seeking political attention from Nigeria’s temporary challenges.
He said national unity and integrity must guide every public reaction to international reports about Nigeria.
Oladejo urged citizens and political leaders to defend the country’s image through responsible communication and patriotic engagement, adding that political differences should never override collective responsibility to protect Nigeria’s reputation.
According to him, leaders should project optimism and confidence when discussing the nation’s challenges, “The interest of Nigeria must always rise above politics. We all have a duty to defend our nation’s dignity.”
The APC spokesman noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was taking bold steps to restore security and strengthen governance.
He said reforms were ongoing to improve military coordination, intelligence sharing, and technological capacity in the fight against insecurity.
Oladejo said the Federal Government was also addressing economic challenges that contribute to insecurity through targeted reforms and job creation.
Oladejo urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda continue to unfold, stressing that patriotism must be a shared value for both leaders and citizens.
He called for constructive dialogue and collaboration across political lines to sustain national progress, noting that development and stability can only thrive when the nation speaks with one voice.
While welcoming genuine suggestions, he cautioned against statements that could weaken public confidence in the country, reaffirming that Nigeria would overcome its challenges through unity, resilience, and patriotic commitment.
Meanwhile, former presidential aide, Mr Reno Omokri, on Tuesday also disagreed with Obi’s position, saying it painted an unfair picture of the country’s security situation.
In a statement, Omokri said that while insecurity remained a challenge, available data from the Global Terror Index indicated progress compared to previous years.
He noted that the death of even one Nigerian was “condemnable and regrettable” but maintained that figures showed a decline in terror-related casualties compared to 2015.
NAN
