The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stirred fresh political debate after openly questioning the democratic credentials of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, insisting that neither played a meaningful role in Nigeria’s historic struggle against military rule.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, the party accused both opposition figures of projecting themselves as moral arbiters of Nigeria’s democracy despite what it described as their absence during the years of sacrifice, repression, and activism that paved the way for the country’s current democratic order.
Akahi News gathered that the statement, signed by Lagos APC Spokesman Seye Oladejo, framed democracy as a system sustained by sacrifice, institutional loyalty, and consistency — values the party claims Atiku and Obi have failed to demonstrate over time.
APC Challenges Claims of Democratic Leadership
According to the Lagos APC, Atiku and Obi were largely absent when many Nigerians endured detention, intimidation, exile, loss of livelihood, and even death in the fight against military dictatorship. The party argued that it is therefore questionable for the duo to now assume the posture of guardians of democratic values.
In the statement, the party said:
“The Lagos State Chapter of the APC finds it imperative to interrogate the so-called democratic credentials of Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, who have anointed themselves as the conscience of Nigeria’s democracy. Democracy is sustained by consistency, sacrifice, respect for institutions, and fidelity to the will of the people — not by selective outrage, convenience-driven alliances, or transactional politics.”
Akahi News learnt that the APC’s comments appear to be a response to recent public interventions and political alignments involving both politicians, which the ruling party considers self-serving rather than principled.
Obi’s Political Movement Described as Opportunistic
The Lagos APC also took aim at Peter Obi’s political journey, reportedly criticising his movement across different political platforms over the years. The party argued that such transitions reflect opportunism rather than ideological conviction or long-term commitment to democratic ideals.
According to the statement, democracy is not strengthened when political actors frequently shift allegiances for convenience or short-term advantage. The party suggested that voters should be wary of leaders who lack consistent ideological grounding and institutional loyalty.
Akahi News gathered that the APC’s remarks mirror a broader concern within the party about what it perceives as unstable political alignment in opposition politics, especially in periods leading to major elections or national political realignments.
Atiku Accused of “Ambition Without Ideological Anchor”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also came under heavy criticism for what the Lagos APC described as serial defections across political parties in pursuit of presidential ambition. The party labelled his political trajectory as “ambition without ideological anchor,” arguing that such conduct undermines party discipline and democratic stability.
The statement further warned that:
“Democracy is not strengthened by serial defections, nor preserved by treating political parties as mere vehicles of convenience. Alliances forged by bitterness, entitlement, and desperation are not democratic alternatives.”
Observers note that Atiku’s long political career, which spans multiple party platforms, has often drawn mixed reactions from both supporters and critics. While admirers cite experience and resilience, critics argue that frequent party changes weaken ideological clarity and institutional trust.
Call for Nigerians to Judge Leaders Beyond Protest Politics
Beyond the direct criticism of Atiku and Obi, the Lagos APC urged Nigerians to evaluate political leaders based on respect for democratic processes, loyalty to institutions, and statesmanship — rather than loud protest after electoral defeat.
The party emphasised that the electorate deserves clarity of purpose, consistency in leadership, and commitment to national development, not what it termed ambition disguised as moral authority.
Akahi News gathered that the statement concluded with a challenge to both politicians to publicly present verifiable records of their democratic contributions, rather than relying on rhetoric or political sentiment.
“Both gladiators are hereby encouraged to accept this as an open challenge and present their democratic credentials to the discerning Nigerian public — devoid of fairytales,” the statement concluded.
Political Implications Ahead
The development adds another layer to Nigeria’s evolving political discourse as parties position themselves ahead of future electoral contests and national policy debates. Analysts believe such exchanges could sharpen ideological conversations but may also deepen partisan divisions if not handled with restraint.
For many Nigerians, the episode highlights the ongoing tension between political legacy, democratic accountability, and leadership credibility — issues that remain central to the country’s democratic growth.
As political narratives continue to unfold, Akahi News will keep monitoring reactions from Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other stakeholders within Nigeria’s political space.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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