The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly rejected recent comments made by former presidential adviser Babafemi Ojudu, describing his statement that “Lagos is playing with fire and Tinubu must put it out” as a misleading and inflammatory portrayal of the situation in the state.
In a detailed response issued by the Lagos APC spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, on Thursday, the party dismissed Ojudu’s claims, asserting that Lagos remains peaceful, stable, and committed to inclusive development. The party urged Nigerians to disregard what it termed “misplaced alarmism” and instead focus on the tangible progress being made under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the broader APC administration in Lagos.
Oladejo expressed disappointment that someone of Ojudu’s political background would make what he described as an emotionally charged and inaccurate assessment of the state of affairs in Lagos.
“While we respect his right to free expression, we find it unfortunate that someone of his political experience would resort to sensationalism, emotional manipulation, and half-truths to insert himself into a matter he neither fully understands nor constructively engages,” the APC statement read.
The party maintained that Lagos is not experiencing any form of civil disorder or ethnic crisis, contrary to the impression created by Ojudu’s commentary. According to the APC, the state has consistently demonstrated responsible governance, political stability, and peaceful coexistence among its diverse population.
“Let it be made clear: Lagos is not playing with fire. What Lagos is doing — and has always done — is govern responsibly, maintain political stability, and ensure the peaceful coexistence of its diverse population,” the statement continued.
The APC accused Ojudu of attempting to exploit national concerns for personal visibility, suggesting that his remarks were designed more to provoke than to propose solutions. The party stated that his comments risk stirring unnecessary tensions and undermining the harmony the state has worked hard to maintain.
“We reject the doomsday tone and divisive insinuations in Mr. Ojudu’s statement, which risk inflaming tensions rather than easing them,” said Oladejo.
Highlighting the historical role of Lagos in promoting national unity and ethnic inclusion, the APC emphasized that the political structure currently in place has been instrumental in the careers of many, including Ojudu himself.
“It is regrettable that Mr. Ojudu has chosen to stoke controversy rather than offer constructive advice,” the party stated. “His thinly veiled attempt to paint Lagos APC as intolerant or politically vindictive falls flat in the face of facts.”
The APC also emphasized that its leadership has always prioritized tolerance and public service, citing the example of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who previously governed Lagos and is now described by the party as a “symbol of national unity.”
According to the APC, Tinubu should not be portrayed as someone who must constantly intervene in what the party considers fabricated crises.
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a symbol of national unity and not a fireman tasked with extinguishing imaginary infernos lit by political opportunists,” the party noted.
Oladejo reaffirmed the APC’s openness to dialogue and constructive criticism but warned against rhetoric that may damage the state’s image or fuel division. He stressed that Lagos, under APC leadership, has not and will not suppress dissenting views but would also not tolerate “careless talk” that threatens its social fabric.
“Constructive criticism is a democratic necessity; political grandstanding disguised as concern is not,” the statement said.
The APC concluded by encouraging Nigerians to ignore what it called distractions and instead support the ongoing peacebuilding, economic growth, and infrastructure development efforts in Lagos. The party maintained that Lagos is progressing, not unraveling, and reiterated its commitment to delivering good governance and unity.
“Lagos is not burning. Lagos is building,” the statement ended.
The exchange between Ojudu and the Lagos APC comes amid heightened political commentary around governance, inclusivity, and the role of political elites in national stability. While Ojudu’s comments appear to have struck a chord in some political circles, the APC has made clear its intention to defend the state’s image against what it sees as mischaracterization.
