Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has strongly criticized Nigeria's political elite for focusing on trivial matters instead of addressing the country's critical issues. In a statement released on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi characterized the current political environment as an "embarrassing spectacle," emphasizing that Nigeria is grappling with severe socio-economic challenges.

Obi highlighted the urgent need to address the increasing rates of poverty, hunger, insecurity, and the number of out-of-school children. He expressed deep concern over the direction of Nigeria's political leadership, stating, "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. One would expect our leaders to be focusing and sacrificing solely on providing urgent, transformative solutions to this myriad of problems.”

He lamented that national discussions are being overshadowed by controversies, including allegations of sexual harassment within the National Assembly, budget padding, and judicial decisions that threaten to destabilize state governance. Obi condemned the actions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, describing them as "disgusting and uninspiring." He specifically pointed to the situation in Osun State, the judicial pronouncements regarding Rivers State, and the scandal within the National Assembly as contributing to a bleak outlook for Nigeria's democratic journey.

Obi also criticized politicians who defect to parties with the intention of manipulating their way into office, calling it a "reckless neglect of serious governance." He urged leaders across all three branches of government to prioritize stabilizing the nation and finding solutions to its pressing challenges. According to Obi, the current state of leadership is a betrayal of public trust and is unacceptable. He emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford to be governed like a reality TV show while its citizens suffer. Obi called for leadership that is rooted in character, competence, capacity, consistency, compassion, and urgency, with a focus on education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

Obi warned that the current trajectory threatens Nigeria's stability and undermines its future, stressing the need for immediate and substantive action to address the country's socio-economic woes.