The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, questioning their democratic credentials and roles in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
In a statement on Wednesday, signed by its spokesman, Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo, the party said democracy is sustained by sacrifice, consistency and respect for institutions, rather than what it described as “selective outrage” and convenience-driven politics.
According to the APC, neither Obi nor Atiku played a significant role in the pro-democracy movement that led to Nigeria’s return to civilian rule, arguing that they were absent during periods when activists faced detention, exile and intimidation under military regimes.
The party accused Obi of political inconsistency, citing his movement across political platforms, and said a commitment to democracy requires acceptance of electoral outcomes and loyalty to institutions, regardless of personal ambition.
It also criticised Atiku’s long-standing pursuit of the presidency across multiple political parties, describing it as evidence of ambition without ideological grounding. The APC said it was ironic for Atiku, who had been part of past administrations, to now present himself as a victim of the political system.
The Lagos APC further questioned the viability of opposition coalitions, describing them as alliances driven by dissatisfaction with election outcomes rather than shared ideology or vision.
“Democracy is not defined by how loudly one protests after losing an election, but by how responsibly one behaves before, during and after the process,” the statement said, urging political actors to strengthen institutions and engage in constructive opposition.
The party said Nigeria needs statesmen rather than “serial aspirants,” and challenged both Obi and Atiku to publicly present their democratic credentials.
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