The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected assertions by former presidential candidate Peter Obi that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is “missing or absent” from governance amid economic and security challenges, insisting the president remains fully engaged in running the country. The party’s rebuttal came in a statement on January 13, 2026, issued by Seye Oladejo, APC spokesperson in Lagos.
In its response, the APC emphasised that Tinubu “is not missing, nor is he absent from his constitutional responsibilities”, saying governance should not be judged by public visibility alone but by the quality of policy decisions, security oversight, economic reform initiatives and diplomatic engagements undertaken domestically and internationally. Oladejo stated that the president’s schedule is driven by national priorities rather than political narratives around optics and appearances.
The party urged political actors, particularly opposition figures, to engage in constructive discourse by offering solutions to national issues instead of fueling speculation about leadership absence. APC highlighted ongoing work across economic reforms, national security coordination and international diplomacy as evidence that the administration continues to discharge its mandate effectively.
Obi’s comments, which triggered the APC’s statement, stem from concerns he raised about Tinubu’s perceived low public profile and Nigeria’s deepening socio-economic difficulties, including hardship and insecurity. The governing party’s rebuttal reflects intensifying political exchanges ahead of the 2027 general elections and underscores a broader debate over political leadership, accountability and public communication.
