Peter Obi Urges Leaders To Prioritise Insecurity, Hunger Over Politics

Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the coming 2027 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi has called on Nigeria’s political leaders to shift their focus from partisan politics to addressing the country’s worsening insecurity, hunger and economic hardship, insisting that the nation’s survival should take precedence over political calculations.
In a post on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday afternoon, Obi said the country’s current realities prompted him to reflect on what should be the true priority of those in leadership.
According to him, while completing his Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form on Monday, a question asking whether he had ever been “adjudged a lunatic or been declared a person of unsound mind” made him ponder the quality of leadership in the country.
“That question got me thinking: Can we, as the political leaders of today’s Nigeria, truly say we are exhibiting the characteristics of a sound mind?” Obi wrote.
He lamented the country’s worsening security situation, noting that citizens, including children and security personnel, continue to be abducted, while many Nigerians cannot travel safely on highways or afford their next meal.
“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?” he asked.
The former Anambra State governor argued that a responsible leadership would have declared the prevailing challenges a national emergency and mobilised all relevant institutions, security agencies, experts and community leaders to tackle them.
“At a moment like this, the survival, security, and stability of Nigeria must take precedence over every other consideration. This is a time for decisive action, not political calculation or the pursuit of partisan advantage,” he stated.
Obi also advocated greater transparency in the electoral process, citing another question in the INEC nomination form asking whether a candidate had ever presented a forged certificate to the electoral commission.
He questioned why INEC should not publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by all candidates seeking elective offices.
“Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust. 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,” Obi said.
He concluded the post with his familiar slogan: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”