Peter Obi: I’ll Negotiate With Those Ready for Peace, Fight Criminals Who Reject It

Peter Obi: I’ll Talk to Those Ready for Peace, Confront Those Who Choose Violence 

Presidential hopeful and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) leader, Peter Obi, has outlined how he would address insecurity if elected president, saying dialogue and force must work together in the fight against banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.

Speaking during an interview with journalist Rufai Oseni on the BlackBox platform, Obi explained that his administration would be prepared to engage armed groups that genuinely show willingness to abandon violence and embrace peace. However, he stressed that criminals who refuse peaceful options and continue attacking innocent citizens would face decisive action from security agencies.

According to Obi, solving Nigeria’s security crisis requires more than military operations alone. He argued that while security forces must remain strong and effective, governments should also be willing to listen to grievances, address root causes of conflict, and create opportunities for rehabilitation where possible.

The former Anambra governor maintained that not everyone involved in violent activities has the same motivation, and that distinguishing between those willing to change and hardened criminals is important.

Obi emphasized that negotiations should never be interpreted as weakness. Rather, he said dialogue can serve as a tool for ending violence, preventing further bloodshed, and encouraging peaceful reintegration into society. At the same time, he made it clear that armed groups that reject peace efforts and continue terrorizing communities would be confronted through lawful security operations. According to him, government has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, and that duty cannot be compromised.

The comments have sparked fresh discussions about the best strategy for addressing insecurity in Nigeria. For years, governments at different levels have combined military action, intelligence gathering, community engagement, and peace initiatives in attempts to reduce violence across affected regions.

Supporters of Obi’s position argue that sustainable peace often requires a combination of dialogue and enforcement. Critics, however, believe negotiations with armed groups can sometimes send the wrong message and encourage future criminal activity.

As conversations about the 2027 elections continue to gain momentum, insecurity remains one of the issues Nigerians are paying close attention to. Banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal violence continue to affect many communities across the country, making security policy a major topic for political leaders and voters alike.

Analysts believe that how candidates plan to address these challenges could significantly influence public support ahead of future elections.

Following Obi’s remarks, reactions have been divided. Some Nigerians welcomed the idea of combining dialogue with security operations, arguing that lasting peace often requires both approaches. Others insist that armed groups responsible for violent crimes should be dealt with strictly through law enforcement and military action.

The debate reflects the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges and the differing views on how best to resolve them.  

                    You can also read;

Kenneth Okonkwo Rejects Proposed Atiku-Amaechi Ticket, Raises Concerns Over South-East Exclusion

Turmoil Brews in Enugu NDC as Aspirants Protest Alleged Manipulation of Candidate Selection Process

Peter Obi’s comments have added a new dimension to discussions about security and governance in Nigeria. While advocating dialogue for those willing to abandon violence, he also insists that criminals who continue to threaten lives and communities must face firm consequences.

As political conversations ahead of 2027 continue, the issue of how to balance peacebuilding with security enforcement is likely to remain a central topic in national discourse.