‘Leadership Is Not Choreography’: Lagos APC Backs Remi Tinubu in “Clash” Over Adeleke’s Style

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a sweeping and emphatic defence of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu after her pointed advice to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, triggered a national debate over leadership style, decorum, and the boundaries of political counsel.

In a  statement signed by its spokesman, Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC insisted that Mrs Tinubu’s remarks—offered during a culturally significant gathering hosted by the Ooni of Ife—were grounded in patriotism, institutional maturity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the expectations of public office.

According to the party, the First Lady’s counsel was neither a personal attack nor a slight on Osun State, but a sober reminder that governance is an arduous, serious undertaking that must be approached with discipline, emotional intelligence, and an unwavering focus on service delivery.

The statement underscored that Mrs Tinubu’s comment reflected “motherly wisdom and statesmanship,” stressing that leadership cannot be reduced to theatrical displays or moments of entertainment—no matter how charismatic or culturally resonant.

“Governance is not a vocation for entertainment,” Oladejo declared. “It is a sacred mandate entrusted by the people, requiring sound judgement, time discipline, and measurable commitment to solving the urgent problems citizens face daily.”

He argued that leadership conduct shapes not only public perception but also investor confidence and the broader reputation of a state within the national and international arena.

The Lagos APC expressed worry that Governor Adeleke’s public appearances have become synonymous with dance routines and showmanship rather than policy articulation or strategic direction. It lamented that too often, the main takeaway for citizens from events featuring Adeleke is entertainment—an indulgence the party says “offers no tangible impact on the destiny or welfare of the people.”

“At a time when Osun State confronts significant economic, social, and infrastructural challenges, the Governor must be seen investing his energy in governance, not theatrics,” the statement read.

Oladejo noted that the people of Osun require a leader who provides clarity of purpose, delivers credible outcomes, and inspires confidence through policy—not choreography.

With the 2026 Osun governorship election approaching, the Lagos APC cautioned that the electorate will not be swayed by entertainment value but by hard evidence of governance, reforms, and progress.

“Elections are not won on dance floors,” Oladejo said. “They are won in the hearts of citizens whose lives have been demonstrably improved. It is disingenuous to portray Mrs Tinubu’s remarks as demeaning; it was a patriotic nudge meant to protect the integrity of the Governor’s office.”

The party warned that confusing popularity with productivity or applause with achievement is a dangerous political miscalculation.

Oladejo emphasized that Nigeria is at a critical juncture where states must demonstrate responsible leadership to attract investment, build institutions, and sustain development. He said Governor Adeleke must therefore recalibrate his public engagements, adopt the gravitas of his office, and focus on the weighty responsibilities before him.

“The world is watching Osun State,” he said. “Every action, every appearance, and every utterance shapes the state’s reputation. Nigeria needs builders, not performers. The electorate voted for service, not choreography.”

The statement concluded with a call for Governor Adeleke to embrace the First Lady’s advice with humility and re-channel his energy into impactful governance, noting that the mandate of the Osun people is “far too precious to be diminished by avoidable optics that trivialize leadership.”