(Peter Obi. Photo by Daily Trust)
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has questioned the priorities of Nigeria’s political leaders, saying the country’s worsening security and economic challenges should take precedence over political activities.
Obi made the remarks in a statement shared on his official social media account on Tuesday after completing his Independent National Electoral Commission nomination form.
Reflecting on the form, Obi said a question asking whether a candidate had ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind prompted him to assess the quality of leadership in the country, asking whether political leaders today could truly say they are exhibiting the characteristics of a sound mind.
The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria was grappling with widespread insecurity, hunger and the alleged diversion of public funds, arguing that such challenges demanded urgent attention from those in leadership. He questioned whether politics should really be the primary preoccupation of leaders when Nigerians, including children and security personnel, are being abducted into the bushes, citizens cannot travel safely on highways, several million Nigerians remain uncertain about their next meal, and billions are allegedly being siphoned frivolously through non-existent agencies and projects.
According to him, sound-minded leadership would have declared these existential challenges a national emergency and immediately mobilised all relevant institutions, security agencies, experts, community leaders and other critical stakeholders to confront them with urgency and resolve.
Obi said the country’s survival, security and stability should take precedence over political calculations, insisting that the current moment called for decisive action rather than political calculation or the pursuit of partisan advantage.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by candidates seeking elective office.
Referring to another question in the nomination form asking whether a candidate had ever presented a forged certificate to INEC, Obi said the electoral body should make such documents public to strengthen transparency and public confidence in the electoral process, questioning why INEC should not publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by every candidate, in the interest of ensuring leaders are exemplary in following the rules and to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
Obi maintained that transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust, adding that Nigeria’s challenges required leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to service.
His remarks come as political activities continue ahead of the 2027 general elections, with prospective candidates and political parties increasingly outlining their positions on governance, electoral reforms and leadership standards.
