Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has confirmed the completion of his Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, nomination form.

Obi made the confirmation in a statement on his verified X handle on Tuesday.

This followed a statement by the party’s National Leader, Seriake Dickson, who announced that Obi’s name had been successfully uploaded to INEC’s portal despite a recent court judgment that sought to deregister the party.

While commenting on the requirements of the electoral document, Obi questioned whether the current political class is demonstrating the right mindset to tackle Nigeria’s pressing crises.

According to him, widespread insecurity, mass hunger, and the frivolous siphoning of billions through non-existent agencies should be treated as national emergencies rather than being overshadowed by political maneuvering.

The former Anambra State governor emphasised that a sound-minded leadership would immediately mobilize all relevant institutions and stakeholders to confront existential challenges with absolute urgency.

He also challenged INEC to make the academic credentials of all political aspirants public to foster trust, arguing that since the nomination form asks candidates if they have ever presented forged certificates, full disclosure is the logical next step to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate maintained that the country’s severe problems require an urgent shift from politics as usual towards leadership defined by character and competence.

“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,” he wrote.

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kebbi State have criticised Senator Garba Musa Maidoki, representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, over his recent comments on security and political developments in the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the stakeholders accused the senator of making what they described as misleading remarks and alleged that he had failed to provide adequate representation to his constituents since assuming office.

They claimed that despite expressing concern over insecurity in Kebbi South, particularly in the Zuru Emirate, the senator had not undertaken verifiable constituency projects or provided direct support to communities affected by security challenges.

According to the stakeholders, Senator Maidoki has also failed to participate in several consultative meetings convened by government officials, traditional rulers and community leaders to address insecurity in the area.

The group further dismissed claims that the senator was denied an APC ticket, maintaining that he was not a member of the party when its primary elections were conducted.

The stakeholders also faulted remarks allegedly made by the senator concerning the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami Gomo III, arguing that traditional institutions should not be drawn into partisan political disputes.

They described the Emir as a respected traditional ruler who continues to enjoy the support of the people of the Zuru Emirate.

The APC stakeholders urged Senator Maidoki to focus on providing effective representation and addressing the needs of his constituents rather than engaging in political controversies.

The group maintained that the people of Kebbi State would continue to support leaders who demonstrate commitment to service delivery and community development.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, under Professor Joash Amupitan as an extension of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The PDP made this allegation in a statement posted on its verified X handle on Tuesday

It said that selective obedience to court orders, rulings and a persistent lack of transparency in electronic transmission systems have left the electorate with a chilling impression that INEC is no longer serving the citizens.

The party alleged that the electoral umpire is rather doing the bidding of the ruling party to guarantee status quo preservation in 2027.

It lamented that public confidence in INEC has hit a historic low, saying the agency is no longer operating as an autonomous and transparent referee.

“INEC under Professor Joash Amupitan, increasingly behaves like an extension of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

“For any democracy to survive an economic depression, the public must believe that their pain can translate into political consequences via the ballot box.

“That belief requires an independent umpire. However, public confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has hit a historic low,” the PDP said.