The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticized the priorities of Nigeria’s political leadership, arguing that the country’s worsening security and economic challenges should take precedence over political maneuvering.
In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account after completing his Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form, Obi said some of the questions contained in the form prompted him to reflect on the quality of leadership in the country.
According to Obi, one question in Section E of the nomination form asks whether a candidate has ever been “adjudged a lunatic or been declared a person of unsound mind.”
The former Anambra State governor said the question led him to consider whether Nigeria’s current political leaders were demonstrating the attributes of sound judgment.
“While completing my INEC nomination form yesterday, Section E, Question 1 caught my attention. It asks: ‘Have you ever been adjudged a lunatic or been declared a person of unsound mind?’ The answer is either Yes or No. That question got me thinking: Can we, as the political leaders of today’s Nigeria, truly say we are exhibiting the characteristics of a sound mind?” Obi wrote.
He lamented the country’s persistent insecurity and economic hardship, questioning why politics appears to dominate national discourse despite the pressing challenges facing millions of Nigerians.
Obi cited the rising cases of kidnappings, insecurity on highways, widespread hunger and allegations of public funds being diverted through projects that are never executed.
“When Nigerians are being abducted into the bushes, citizens cannot travel safely on our highways, several million Nigerians are uncertain where their next meal will come from, and several billions are being siphoned frivolously through non-existent projects, should politics really be our primary preoccupation?” he asked.
The NDC presidential candidate also called for greater transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process, drawing attention to another question in the INEC nomination form regarding the submission of forged academic certificates.
According to Obi, the provision presents an opportunity for the electoral commission to strengthen public confidence in elections by making candidates’ credentials publicly available.
“Question 6 was: ‘Have you ever presented a forged certificate to INEC?’ This raises another important question: Why shouldn’t INEC, in the interest of ensuring that our leaders are exemplary in following the rules and to strengthen public confidence in our electoral process, publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by every candidate seeking elective office?” he stated.
Obi’s remarks come as political activities continue to intensify ahead of future electoral contests, with debates over governance, transparency, security and economic management remaining central issues in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Neither the Independent National Electoral Commission nor the Presidency had publicly responded to Obi’s comments at the time of filing this report.
