Peter Obi Completes INEC Nomination Form for 2027 Presidency

The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, announced that he has finished his nomination form for submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

While reviewing the form, Obi noted Section E, Question 1, which asks whether the applicant has ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared a person of unsound mind. He said the question prompted him to reflect on whether today’s Nigerian leaders are exhibiting the traits of sound-minded governance.

Obi argued that a truly sound‑minded leadership would have declared the nation’s growing insecurity, food shortages, and massive looting of public funds a national emergency. He urged immediate mobilisation of security agencies, experts, community leaders, and other stakeholders to address these crises with urgency.

He wrote:

“What Truly Should Be Our Priority Now as Leaders of a Nation?
This question has become necessary, given where we are today as a nation and where we are supposed to be.
While completing my INEC nomination form yesterday, Section E, Question 1 caught my attention. It asks: “Have you ever been adjudged a lunatic or been declared a person of unsound mind?” The answer is either Yes or No. 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?
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?
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. 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.”

Obi also highlighted Section E, Question 6, which asks whether a candidate has ever presented a forged certificate to INEC. He urged the commission to publish the academic certificates and credentials of all candidates seeking elective office, arguing that such transparency would strengthen democracy and public trust.

In conclusion, Peter Obi called for a shift away from “politics as usual” and advocated for leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion, and commitment to service.