Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned whether Nigeria’s political leaders are demonstrating the qualities of sound-minded leadership amid the country’s worsening insecurity, hunger, and economic hardship.
In a statement made available to The News Chronicle on Tuesday, Obi said the country’s current realities make the nation’s political obsession deeply troubling, arguing that governance should be focused on tackling existential threats rather than partisan calculations.
According to him, the concern was triggered while completing his Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form, where Section E, Question 1 asks whether an aspirant has ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared to be 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 asked.
He lamented that while Nigerians, including children and security personnel, are being abducted by criminals, citizens can no longer travel safely on highways, millions are uncertain of their next meal, and billions of naira are allegedly being looted through fictitious agencies and projects, political activities continue to dominate national attention.
Obi argued that any leadership acting with sound judgment would have declared the country’s security and economic crises a national emergency, mobilising security agencies, experts, community leaders, and other critical stakeholders to confront them with urgency.
“At a moment like this, the survival, security, and stability of Nigeria must take precedence over every other consideration. This is a time for decisive action, not political calculation or the pursuit of partisan advantage,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also called for greater transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process, citing another question on the INEC nomination form asking whether a candidate has ever presented a forged certificate to the electoral body.
Obi urged INEC to publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by all candidates seeking elective office, saying such a move would strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
“Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust. Nigeria’s problems are too serious for politics as usual. It is time for leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion, and commitment to service,” he stated.
