Former Anambra Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has taken a swipe at Nigeria’s political leaders, accusing them of prioritising “frivolities” over real solutions to the nation’s pressing challenges.
Obi, in a strongly worded statement on Monday, condemned the endless political drama unfolding across the country—from the sexual harassment scandal rocking Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to the Lagos Assembly speakership crisis, and the executive-legislative feud in Rivers Stat.
“At a time like this, when millions of Nigerians are sliding deeper into poverty and hopelessness, one would expect our leaders to focus solely on delivering bold, transformative solutions,” Obi said. “But instead, what dominates the headlines? Allegations of sexual misconduct in the National Assembly, budget padding, endless court rulings destabilising states, and power struggles over speakership positions.”
A Gloomy Picture of Governance
According to Obi, Nigeria’s current governance climate is both “disgusting and uninspiring”.
He didn’t hold back, criticising all three arms of government—the executive, legislature, and judiciary—for what he called “a shameful display of negative power.”
– In Osun, Obi slammed what he called executive overreach in local council matters.
– In Rivers, he decried judicial rulings that could cripple governance.
– At the National Assembly, he described the ongoing sex scandal and budget controversies as an embarrassment.
“All these combined paint a gloomy picture of our democratic journey,” Obi declared.
Stop the Political Defections & Power Plays
Obi also warned against the growing trend of political defections, where politicians hop between parties to secure easier election wins.
“Our leaders must stop treating politics like a game of musical chairs,” he said. “The focus should be on governance and service to the people, not political survival at all costs.”
Clearing the Air on Rivers Supreme Court Ruling
Obi also addressed reports claiming he had described the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Rivers State crisis as reckless.
He denied the claim outright.
“I never called the Supreme Court’s ruling reckless,” Obi clarified in a post on his X page. “My statement was about the general conduct of the political elite, not a specific court verdict.”
Even when he disagrees with a Supreme Court judgement, Obi added, he would never publicly label it reckless out of respect for the institution.
What’s Next?
As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to churn with scandals, court battles, and power tussles, Obi’s message is clear:
It’s time for leaders to get serious, drop the drama, and focus on fixing Nigeria.
