Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reacted to the sexual harassment allegations levied against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti, condemning the Nigerian political class for focusing on trivial matters while the country grapples with urgent socio-economic challenges.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) page, Obi expressed disappointment over the current state of Nigerian politics, describing it as an “embarrassing spectacle.” He emphasized that the nation is facing some of its most severe issues, including extreme poverty, hunger, insecurity, and a high number of out-of-school children, all of which require immediate attention.
Obi wrote, “It is deeply troubling that Nigeria’s political leadership is rapidly descending into an embarrassing spectacle. We are at a time when our nation faces the highest levels of actual and multidimensional poverty, soaring infant mortality rates, millions of out-of-school children, and one of the most insecure and hunger-stricken environments on earth.”
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He stressed that Nigeria could not afford to be governed like a “reality TV show” while millions of citizens continue to suffer. “It is time for leadership rooted in character, competence, capacity, consistency, compassion, and urgency—leadership that prioritises education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor pointed out that national discourse is being dominated by controversies surrounding sexual harassment allegations in the National Assembly, budget padding, and judicial rulings that could destabilize governance at the state level.
Obi further criticized the political practice of defecting to parties where politicians believe they can easily manipulate the system for their benefit. He called this a “reckless neglect of serious governance” and stressed the need for a shift in focus toward the pressing needs of the country.
