Peter Obi Raises Concerns Over Leadership, Transparency Ahead of 2027
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigeria's political class to place greater emphasis on tackling the nation's pressing challenges rather than focusing primarily on electoral politics.
Obi made the remarks in a statement posted on his official X account on Tuesday after completing his nomination form for the 2027 general election with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the former Anambra State governor, one of the questions on the nomination form—which asks whether a candidate has ever been declared of unsound mind or adjudged a lunatic—prompted him to reflect on the quality of leadership currently being displayed in the country.
He questioned whether the actions and priorities of many political leaders truly reflected sound judgment, considering the scale of Nigeria's security and economic difficulties.
Obi argued that widespread insecurity, rising hunger and allegations of public fund mismanagement should rank far above political manoeuvring on the nation's agenda.
He noted that many Nigerians continue to face threats from kidnapping and violent crime, while security personnel are also being targeted. He added that travelling on several highways remains risky for many citizens, and millions of households are struggling with the rising cost of living and uncertainty over their next meal.
The former presidential candidate also expressed concern over reports of public funds allegedly being diverted through questionable projects and agencies, insisting that such issues deserve urgent national attention.
According to Obi, a government committed to the welfare of its people would have declared the country's security and humanitarian challenges a national emergency and mobilised security agencies, relevant institutions, experts, community leaders and other stakeholders to address them without delay.
He maintained that safeguarding lives, restoring public confidence and stabilising the economy should take precedence over partisan interests and political calculations.
Obi also renewed his call for greater transparency in Nigeria's electoral process by urging INEC to make public the academic qualifications and other credentials submitted by all candidates seeking elective office.
Referring to another section of the nomination form that asks whether a candidate has ever submitted a forged certificate to the electoral commission, he argued that publishing such documents would strengthen accountability and reinforce public confidence in elections.
According to him, openness in the verification of candidates' credentials would promote integrity, improve trust in democratic institutions and help ensure that those seeking public office meet the expected standards.
Obi concluded by stressing that Nigeria's current realities require leaders who possess competence, integrity, compassion, capacity and a genuine commitment to public service. He added that the country's future depends on leadership focused on solving real problems rather than engaging in political contests alone as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
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