The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has challenged Nigeria’s political leaders to reflect on their priorities, arguing that the country’s worsening insecurity, hunger and economic distress demand urgent attention rather than the growing focus on political contests and power calculations.

Obi raised the concern after completing his nomination inquiry form at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, revealing that some of the questions contained in the document prompted him to reflect on the quality of leadership currently being offered to Nigerians.The former Anambra State governor said a question asking whether a candidate had ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared of unsound mind led him to consider whether the nation’s leaders were demonstrating the sound judgment expected of those entrusted with public responsibility.

At a time when citizens are being kidnapped, communities are under threat, families are struggling to feed themselves and public resources continue to come under scrutiny, Obi said it was difficult to justify why political manoeuvring appears to have overshadowed efforts to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges.

According to him, a leadership genuinely acting in the national interest would have convened an emergency gathering of political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, to confront the security and economic crises facing the country.

“What truly should be our priority now as leaders of a nation?” Obi asked, insisting that the survival and well-being of Nigerians should rank above partisan interests and electoral ambitions.

The NDC presidential candidate also turned attention to transparency in the electoral process after another question on the INEC form asked whether candidates had ever submitted forged certificates.

He called on INEC to publish the academic qualifications and credentials submitted by all candidates seeking elective office, arguing that such openness would strengthen public confidence in elections and ensure that those aspiring to lead are held to the highest standards of accountability.

“Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust,” he stated.

Obi maintained that Nigeria’s challenges are too severe for politics as usual, stressing that the country needs leaders defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to public service.

His remarks come as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of future elections, with the former governor urging leaders to place national recovery above political advantage and focus on addressing the issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.