The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has challenged Nigeria’s political leaders to reassess their priorities, arguing that the country’s worsening security and economic challenges should take precedence over political activities.
Obi made the remarks after completing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form in Abuja on Monday, where his name was also uploaded to the commission’s nomination portal.
In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday and made available by his spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, Obi said certain questions contained in the INEC nomination form prompted him to reflect on the quality of leadership in the country.
According to him, one of the questions, which asks whether a candidate has ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind, raises broader concerns about the conduct of Nigeria’s political leadership.
Obi questioned whether the country’s leaders could genuinely claim to be acting with sound judgment at a time when insecurity, poverty and alleged misuse of public resources continue to affect millions of Nigerians.
He lamented the continued abduction of citizens, persistent insecurity on highways, widespread hunger and what he described as the diversion of public funds through non-existent agencies and projects.
The former Anambra State governor argued that, under such circumstances, political competition should not be the nation’s foremost concern.
According to him, leaders acting in the national interest should instead convene an emergency meeting involving political parties and other critical stakeholders to collectively address the country’s pressing security and economic challenges.
“The survival of Nigeria should have been prioritised over the pursuit of political advantage,” Obi stated.
He also called for greater transparency in the electoral process, citing another question in the INEC nomination form asking whether a candidate had ever submitted forged academic certificates to the commission.
Obi suggested that INEC should make public the academic qualifications and credentials submitted by all candidates seeking elective office, saying such a move would strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and deepen democratic accountability.
He maintained that Nigeria’s current challenges require a new style of leadership anchored on competence, integrity, capacity, compassion and commitment to public service rather than politics as usual.
According to Obi, only such leadership can provide the foundation for building a better Nigeria.