Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and current Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, has declared that any group or individual threatening Nigeria’s peace would be met with decisive action if he becomes president.
Obi made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview on the Nevon HQ podcast hosted by broadcaster and media personality, Rufai Oseni, where he spoke extensively on his plans to address the country’s persistent security challenges.
Responding to questions on how he would tackle insecurity across different parts of the country, the former Anambra State governor said his administration would combine dialogue with firmness, depending on the attitude of those involved.
According to him, groups willing to embrace peace and national unity would be engaged through discussions and negotiations. However, he stressed that those determined to destabilise the country would face the full weight of the law.
“I’m going to talk with everybody. In uniting the country, anybody who wants peace, I will talk and negotiate with them. But anybody who wants war, we will go to war.
“If you want to be part of this New Nigeria we are trying to build, that is possible, we can be together, but if not, you will face the consequence of your action.”
Obi said lasting peace could only be achieved when citizens feel a sense of belonging and trust in the system. He argued that many of the nation’s challenges are linked to exclusion, poor governance and the failure to address legitimate grievances across communities.
The former governor maintained that his vision for Nigeria is built on inclusiveness, fairness and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of ethnic, religious or regional background.
“We have got to a point where we have to tell ourselves the truth. Nobody will be left behind. There will be inclusiveness. We will show love and care for everybody,” Obi said.
Obi has repeatedly argued that insecurity cannot be solved through military action alone, insisting that effective leadership, economic opportunities and justice must complement security operations to achieve lasting results.
