Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said he would be willing to negotiate with bandits who genuinely seek peace if elected president in 2027, while taking decisive action against those who remain committed to violence.
Speaking on his plans to tackle insecurity, Obi argued that resolving Nigeria’s security crisis would require a combination of dialogue, intelligence gathering, economic reforms, and the use of force where necessary.
According to him, not everyone involved in banditry should be treated the same way, noting that some individuals may be willing to abandon criminal activities if given the opportunity and the right conditions. Those who refuse peace efforts, however, would face the full weight of the law.
Obi stressed that insecurity has become one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges, affecting agriculture, investment, education, and overall economic growth.
The former Anambra State governor maintained that restoring security would be a top priority of his administration, insisting that communities across the country must be made safe for citizens to live, work, and conduct business without fear.
His comments come amid ongoing national debates over whether negotiations with armed groups can help reduce violence or whether a purely military approach remains the best option. Similar peace initiatives have been attempted in some states, producing mixed results.
The 2027 presidential hopeful said his approach would focus on achieving lasting peace while ensuring that criminal elements who reject reconciliation are decisively dealt with through security operations.
