Obi questions leaders’ ‘sound mind’ after filling INEC nomination form

Presidential candidate Peter Obi has questioned the mental state of Nigeria's leaders, suggesting their priorities are misplaced given the nation's severe security and economic challenges. After completing his Independent National Electoral Commission nomination form, Obi reflected on a question about a candidate's "sound mind."

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Can we, as the political leaders of today’s Nigeria, truly say we are exhibiting the characteristics of a sound mind?

"Can we, as the political leaders of today’s Nigeria, truly say we are exhibiting the characteristics of a sound mind?" he asked in a statement shared on X. Obi highlighted widespread insecurity, hunger, and alleged fund diversions as critical issues demanding urgent attention. He argued that politics should not be the primary preoccupation when citizens, including children and security personnel, face abduction and cannot travel safely.

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When Nigerians, including children and security personnel, are being abducted into the bushes, citizens cannot travel safely on our highways, several million Nigerians are uncertain where their next meal will come from, and several billions are being siphoned frivolously through non-existent agencies and projects, should politics really be our primary preoccupation?

Obi stressed that a "sound-minded leadership" would declare these existential challenges a national emergency and mobilize all relevant institutions and stakeholders. He insisted that Nigeria's survival, security, and stability must take precedence over political calculations. The former Labour Party presidential candidate also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by candidates to enhance transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

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A sound-minded leadership would have declared these existential challenges a national emergency and immediately mobilised all relevant institutions, security agencies, experts, community leaders, and other critical stakeholders to confront them with urgency and resolve.