“Should politics be our priority mow?” Obi asks as he files INEC nomination form

● NDC Presidential Candidate queries leaders over insecurity, hunger, certificate transparency

 

Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, on Monday filed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, inquiry form in Abuja, but used the exercise to question the priorities of Nigeria’s political class amid the country’s current challenges.

In a statement released Tuesday by his media office, POMR, Obi said Section E of the INEC form prompted him to ask: “What truly should be our priority now as leaders of a Nation?”

—“Can We Say We Are of Sound Mind?”—

KObi referenced Section E, Question 1 of the form which asks: “Have you ever been adjudged a lunatic or been declared a person of unsound mind?”

“That question got me thinking: Can we, as the political leaders of today’s Nigeria, truly say we are exhibiting characteristics of a sound mind?” he wrote on his X handle.

The former Anambra Governor listed worsening insecurity and economic hardship as reasons for concern: “When our children are being abducted into the bushes, when citizens cannot travel safely on our highways, and when several million Nigerians are uncertain where their next meal will come from; when several billions are being siphoned frivolously through non-existent agencies and projects. In such adverse circumstances as we are, should politics really be our primary preoccupation?”

He argued that a leadership of sound mind would have convened “an emergency meeting of political leaders across various parties and other critical stakeholders” to confront the nation’s “existential challenges,” adding that “The survival of Nigeria should have been prioritised over the pursuit of political advantage.”

—Call for INEC to Publish Candidates’ Certificates—

Obi also cited Section E, Question 6: “Have you ever presented a forged certificate to INEC?” He said the ùue exemplary in following the rules and for public confidence in our process, publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by every candidate seeking elective office? Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust.”

He confirmed his name was upheld on the Commission’s server.

*”Time for Competence, Character, Capacity”*
“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. A new Nigeria is possible,” Obi stated.

The statement was signed by POMR Spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr.