The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has urged Nigeria's political leaders to shift attention from partisan politics to addressing the country's pressing security and economic challenges.
Obi made the call after completing his nomination form with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Monday, saying some of the questions contained in the form prompted him to reflect on the state of leadership in the country.
In a statement shared on Tuesday by his spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the former Anambra State governor said one of the questions in the nomination form asked whether a candidate had ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind.
According to him, the question raised a broader issue about whether Nigeria's political leaders are demonstrating the sound judgment required to govern at a time when the country is grappling with insecurity, hunger and economic hardship.
Obi lamented the continued abduction of citizens, the insecurity on major highways and the growing number of Nigerians struggling to feed themselves, arguing that such challenges should take priority over political contests.
He also alleged that billions of naira are being lost through questionable government agencies and projects, stressing that the country's current realities demand urgent and collective action.
The NDC presidential candidate said responsible leadership would require convening an emergency meeting of political leaders across party lines, alongside other key stakeholders, to develop solutions to Nigeria's security and socio-economic problems.
According to him, national survival should come before the pursuit of political interests.
Obi also called for greater openness in the electoral process, referring to another question in the INEC nomination form asking whether a candidate had ever presented a forged certificate to the electoral commission.
He urged INEC to publish the academic certificates and other credentials submitted by all candidates seeking elective office, arguing that greater transparency would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria's democratic process.
Obi maintained that the country's mounting challenges require leaders who possess competence, integrity, compassion, capacity and a genuine commitment to public service.
He reiterated his belief that Nigeria can overcome its current difficulties with accountable leadership focused on the welfare of the people rather than partisan politics.
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