**"Time for Leaders to Put Lives Before Politics"** As we navigate the complexities of our democracy, a stark reality stares us in the face. The country is on the brink of chaos, and our leaders are more concerned with the next election cycle than with saving lives. This is the stark message from former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who has called out our political elite for prioritizing party politics over the welfare of Nigerians. In the first two months of 2026 alone, over 1,000 Nigerians have lost their lives in violent attacks across the country, with countless others abducted and left to suffer. Zamfara, Kwara, Ondo, and several other states have been ravaged by bloodshed, leaving families shattered and communities in a state of perpetual fear. The situation is so dire that it surpasses the horrors of war-torn countries. Meanwhile, our leaders are too engrossed in strategizing for the 2027 elections to even notice the mayhem unfolding around them. They are more concerned with party structures, zoning formulas, and campaign tactics than with the very lives of the people they claim to represent. This is a glaring example of the disconnect between our leaders and the people they govern. Obi's words are a stark reminder that our democracy is at a crossroads. We can choose to continue down the path of politics as usual, sacrificing lives on the altar of power and prestige. Or we can choose to put the welfare of Nigerians first, to prioritize their lives over party politics. The choice is clear, and the consequences of our decisions will be etched in history forever. Will we choose to put lives before politics, or will we continue to sacrifice our citizens on the altar of ambition? The time for change is now.