Lagos APC says international engagements are integral to modern governance, insists President remains firmly in charge
The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed criticism by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent trip to Europe, describing the opposition party’s comments as misplaced and lacking substance.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Lagos APC Spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, the party said the ADC’s attack on the President’s foreign engagement reflected a poor understanding of governance in an increasingly interconnected global environment.
According to the APC, international engagement is a core element of modern leadership, particularly at a time when Nigeria is pursuing stronger economic partnerships, increased foreign investment, and deeper diplomatic relations.
The party said President Tinubu’s Europe trip was aimed at advancing Nigeria’s economic interests, strengthening bilateral ties, attracting investment, and reinforcing the country’s standing in the global community.
Rejecting claims that governance suffers whenever the President travels abroad, the APC stressed that government operations continue seamlessly through established institutions, delegated authority, and clear policy direction.
It argued that effective leadership is not confined to physical presence within national borders, adding that Nigeria’s machinery of government remains fully functional even while the President engages international partners on behalf of the country.
The Lagos APC accused the ADC of lacking concrete policy alternatives, saying the opposition has failed to present Nigerians with a credible economic agenda, security blueprint, or governance roadmap.
According to the party, the ADC’s fixation on presidential travel rather than substantive policy issues underscores its inability to engage in serious political discourse.
The APC also noted that similar criticisms were largely absent during previous administrations when foreign trips yielded limited benefits for the country. It maintained that President Tinubu’s current international engagements are directly aligned with Nigeria’s economic recovery agenda, foreign direct investment drive, energy transition goals, infrastructure financing efforts, and broader global repositioning.
The party said Nigerians are able to distinguish between governance anchored on strategic international engagement and opposition politics driven by distractions and headline-seeking commentary.
As the year draws to a close, the APC urged opposition parties to raise the quality of public debate by offering viable alternatives, rather than what it described as repetitive and unproductive criticism.
It reiterated that the Renewed Hope Agenda encompasses both domestic reforms and purposeful international engagement, adding that President Tinubu remains firmly in charge and focused on delivering results for Nigerians.
About the Author
