APC fires back at Obasanjo over Tinubu ‘incompetence’ claim

Obasanjo, in his newly launched book Nigeria: Past and
Future, alleged that Tinubu’s administration is “competing with Buhari in
incompetence.”

The publication, unveiled in March as part of events marking
Obasanjo’s 88th birthday, also included a second book titled Lest We Forget:
Slavery, Slave Trade, Emancipation and Reparation.

In one of the chapters, the former president branded the
Muhammadu Buhari administration as “the worst civil administration in Nigeria’s
history” and added that Tinubu’s government appears to be following the same
path.

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, APC’s Lagos
spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, dismissed Obasanjo’s remarks as an unmerited
attack.

“It is ironic that a leader whose tenure was marked by
arrogance, wasted opportunities, and repeated attempts to undermine democracy
now seeks to lecture others on competence,” Oladejo said.

He maintained that President Tinubu has shown political will
by implementing reforms that previous governments, including Obasanjo’s, failed
to attempt.

“Removing fuel subsidies, reforming the foreign exchange
market, and confronting inefficiencies are not signs of incompetence but bold
steps towards rebuilding Nigeria. What Obasanjo calls incompetence is simply
the courage to do what he and others could not,” the statement added.

The Lagos APC also accused the former president of harboring
bitterness and a long history of undermining sitting leaders whenever he no
longer enjoys influence.

“Obasanjo’s trademark is to attack governments he cannot
control. His tenure witnessed some of the worst excesses in corruption and
mismanagement, billions disappeared in the power sector, the economy sank
deeper into debt despite his claims of repayment, and the infamous third-term
bid nearly plunged the nation into chaos,” the party noted.

Calling on Obasanjo to exercise restraint, Oladejo said: “At
his age, he should be offering wisdom, not fueling discord. If he cannot
contribute constructively, silence would serve him, and Nigeria, better than
this brand of attention-seeking rhetoric.”

The APC emphasized that President Tinubu is not in
competition with Obasanjo or any past leader but is instead focused on steering
the country toward recovery.

“Nigeria’s challenges did not begin with Buhari, nor are
they worsening under Tinubu. Much of the rot traces back to Obasanjo’s own
watch. The current administration is committed to reform and renewal, and no
amount of bitterness from yesterday’s men will derail that journey,” the
statement added.