OBI QUESTIONS NIGERIA'S LEADERSHIP PRIORITIES AFTER COMPLETING INEC NOMINATION FORM

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigeria's political leaders to place national survival above political ambitions, saying the country's mounting security and economic challenges require urgent collective action.

Obi made the call after completing his nomination inquiry form at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Monday, where his details were confirmed on the commission's server.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor reflected on questions contained in the INEC nomination form, describing them as a reminder of the qualities expected of public office holders.

According to him, one of the questions in Section E of the form asks whether a candidate has ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind.

The question, Obi said, prompted him to ask whether Nigeria's current political leadership is demonstrating the attributes of sound judgment in the face of the nation's numerous challenges.

"When our children are being abducted into the bushes, when citizens cannot travel safely on our highways, and when several millions of Nigerians are uncertain where their next meal will come from, while billions are allegedly being siphoned through non-existent agencies and projects, should politics really be our primary preoccupation?" he asked.

The NDC presidential candidate argued that a leadership acting in the national interest would convene an emergency meeting involving political leaders across party lines, as well as other critical stakeholders, to address the country's worsening insecurity, economic hardship and governance challenges.

According to him, Nigeria's survival should take precedence over partisan political contests and the pursuit of electoral advantage.

Obi also drew attention to another question in the nomination form, which asks whether a candidate has ever submitted a forged certificate to INEC.

He said the question underscores the need for greater transparency in the electoral process and called on the electoral commission to make public the academic qualifications and credentials submitted by all candidates seeking elective office.

According to Obi, such a step would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria's democratic process and reinforce accountability among political office seekers.

He maintained that Nigeria's problems have become too grave for "politics as usual," stressing that the country needs leaders distinguished by competence, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to public service.

Obi concluded his message by reiterating his long-held campaign mantra that: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”