Ojudu Rejects Tinubu Appointment, Cites 'Conscientious Objector' Stance in APC
Babafemi Ojudu, former senator and APC chieftain, declared he will not serve in President Tinubu's administration, stating he has never sought or lobbied for any position. In a Thursday Facebook post titled 'A Personal Declaration of Conscience,' he emphasized this is a long-held principle, not a reaction to Tinubu's government. He remains in the APC but identifies as part of a 'conscientious objectors' bloc within the party—members who stay loyal but speak out when necessary. 'Loyalty does not demand silence, and patriotism is not servility,' he wrote.
Ojudu criticized what he called a growing culture of misinformation, citing a distorted video circulated by an associate that falsely suggested he was angling for patronage. He noted he has consistently raised concerns over the past two years on national issues like diplomacy and empathy in governance, driven by patriotism, not opposition. Drawing from Nigeria's history under military rule, he warned against unquestioning loyalty and suppression of dissent, referencing his resistance during Sani Abacha's regime when he was detained. 'I did not yield then. I will not yield now,' he stated.
His statement highlights ongoing debates within the APC about internal dissent and the role of critical voices. It underscores that some party members believe constructive criticism strengthens, rather than undermines, the party and national progress.
For Nigerians following politics, this reveals that not all APC members are monolithic; there are internal tensions between loyalty and speaking truth to power. How do you view such conscientious objection in a ruling party—as a healthy check or as damaging disloyalty?