APC defends President Tinubu’s Europe trip, criticising opposition for “noise-making” and emphasising economic and diplomatic objectives
The All Progressives Congress has urged opposition parties to elevate the quality of their engagement and desist from “meaningless noise-making” over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent trip to Europe.
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The statement, issued on Monday by Lagos State APC Spokesman Seye Oladejo, was a response to criticisms from the African Democratic Congress.
Mr Oladejo described the opposition’s comments as reflecting “a poor understanding of modern governance and international diplomacy,” characterising the criticisms as “a familiar dance of ignorance and desperation.”
He explained that Nigeria, as a globally interconnected nation, requires constant engagement with international partners, investors, development institutions, and strategic allies.
According to Oladejo, President Tinubu’s European trip was aimed at advancing Nigeria’s economic interests, strengthening bilateral relations, attracting investment, and reinforcing the country’s global standing.
“This trip is not about sightseeing, as the opposition would like Nigerians to believe, but about purposeful engagement to reposition the country,” Oladejo said.
The spokesman rejected suggestions that leadership is confined to physical presence within national borders, noting that the President governs with structure, delegated authority, and functional institutions.
Oladejo criticised the ADC for monitoring flight schedules instead of proposing credible economic or security alternatives, describing such behaviour as “rooted in envy and ignorance.”
He further contrasted the Tinubu administration’s approach with past governments, emphasising that international engagements are aligned with Nigeria’s economic recovery agenda, foreign direct investment drive, energy transition objectives, and infrastructure financing.
Oladejo concluded that Nigerians can distinguish between a President actively advancing national interests and an opposition focused on “cheap headline-chasing.”
He urged opposition parties to improve their contributions to national discourse, stating, “Serious times demand serious alternatives, not recycled outrage and shallow theatrics.”
He reaffirmed APC’s confidence in President Tinubu, asserting that the Renewed Hope Agenda remains a practical, ongoing process requiring both domestic reforms and strategic international engagement.
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“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly in charge, decisive, deliberate and globally engaged, for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians,” Oladejo said.
