Obi Reacts After Completing INEC Nomination Form

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has questioned the priorities of Nigeria's political leadership, saying the country's worsening insecurity, hunger and alleged corruption deserve greater attention than partisan politics.

In a statement posted on his official X account, Obi said his reflections were prompted by questions contained in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form, which he recently completed as part of the process for the 2027 general election.

The former Anambra State governor said one of the questions, which asked whether he had ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind, led him to reflect on the conduct of public office holders in the face of Nigeria's mounting socio-economic and security challenges.

According to him, the persistent abduction of citizens and security personnel, widespread insecurity on major highways, rising hunger affecting millions of Nigerians, and allegations of billions of naira diverted through non-existent agencies and projects raise serious concerns about the nation's leadership priorities.

Obi argued that any responsible government confronted with such challenges would have declared a national emergency and immediately mobilised security agencies, experts, community leaders and other critical stakeholders to address the situation.

"At a moment like this, the survival, security, and stability of Nigeria must take precedence over every other consideration," Obi said, adding that the country requires decisive leadership rather than political calculations or partisan interests.

The NDC presidential candidate also called for greater transparency in Nigeria's electoral process, referring to another question in the INEC nomination form which asks whether an aspirant has ever presented forged certificates to the electoral body.

Obi urged INEC to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process by publishing the academic certificates and other credentials submitted by all candidates seeking elective office.

"Publishing the credentials submitted by candidates will deepen transparency, strengthen democracy and build greater public trust in our electoral process," he said.

He maintained that Nigeria's current challenges are too serious for what he described as "politics as usual" and urged political leaders to embrace competence, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to public service.