The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with bandits and other violent groups if they demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace and national reconciliation.
Obi made the remarks during a media interview with journalist Rufai Oseni, where he outlined his views on security, national unity, rehabilitation, and inclusive governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Responding to questions about whether he would consider negotiating with criminal groups if elected president, the former Anambra State governor said his administration would adopt a balanced approach that combines dialogue with firmness, depending on the disposition of those involved.
According to him, any individual or group willing to abandon violence and embrace peace would find a government prepared to engage constructively, while those determined to continue acts of aggression would face the full weight of the law.
“In uniting the country, anybody who wants peace, I will talk with him; I will negotiate with him. Anybody who wants war, we will go to war,” Obi stated.
The NDC presidential candidate explained that lasting peace can only be achieved through a combination of justice, reconciliation, and meaningful engagement with those willing to change.
He argued that societies progress when they create opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration rather than permanently condemning individuals who have demonstrated genuine remorse and a desire to contribute positively to society.
According to Obi, the challenge facing Nigeria requires practical solutions that focus not only on defeating criminality but also on addressing the conditions that fuel insecurity and social unrest.
He emphasized that peace-building should involve efforts to reintegrate individuals who have abandoned violent lifestyles and are prepared to participate in nation-building.
To illustrate his belief in rehabilitation and second chances, Obi recounted an experience during a visit to a university in the United States.
According to him, he was impressed to discover that many individuals occupying important leadership and academic positions within the institution had previously served prison sentences but had successfully transformed their lives.
“I once visited a university in America where the entire faculty are people who came out of prison,” he said.
“From the dean to the registrar, professors spent years in prison for one offence or another.”
The former governor said the experience reinforced his conviction that people should not be permanently defined by their past mistakes, especially when they have demonstrated a commitment to personal transformation and societal contribution.
He maintained that Nigeria must create systems that encourage reform and provide pathways for those willing to abandon criminality and embrace productive lives.
“So, if you say you want to change and be part of this new Nigeria we are talking about, we have reached a point where we have to tell ourselves the truth,” Obi added.
His comments come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, communal violence, and other forms of criminal activity affecting several parts of the country.
Over the years, debates have emerged over whether governments should negotiate with armed groups as part of broader efforts to restore peace and security.
While some stakeholders advocate dialogue as a practical tool for ending conflicts and securing the release of hostages, others argue that negotiating with criminal elements risks legitimizing violence and encouraging further criminal activity.
Obi’s remarks suggest that his administration would seek a middle path, engaging those prepared for peace while maintaining a firm stance against individuals and groups determined to continue violent activities.
Beyond security issues, the NDC presidential candidate used the interview to outline his broader vision for governance, placing particular emphasis on national unity and inclusiveness.
He stated that one of the primary goals of his administration would be to ensure that every Nigerian feels a sense of belonging regardless of ethnicity, religion, region, or social status.
According to him, the country can only achieve sustainable development when all groups are treated fairly and given equal opportunities to participate in national life.
“I will unite the country and secure that nobody is left behind,” Obi said.
“No tribe is left behind; there would be inclusiveness. We will show love and care for everybody.”
The former governor emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity should be viewed as a source of strength rather than division.
He argued that successive governments must work deliberately to build trust among different ethnic and religious groups while ensuring that public policies promote fairness and equal representation.
Obi noted that feelings of exclusion and marginalization have contributed to many of the tensions confronting the country and stressed the need for leadership that inspires confidence among all citizens.
He pledged that under his leadership, governance would be driven by equity, competence, and a commitment to serving the interests of every Nigerian.
Political observers say Obi’s comments reflect a broader campaign message centered on national cohesion, social justice, and inclusive development.
His position on dialogue and rehabilitation is also likely to generate debate among security experts and policymakers, particularly as Nigeria continues to search for effective strategies to address insecurity across various regions.
Supporters of dialogue-based approaches often point to international examples where negotiations helped end violent conflicts and facilitated reintegration efforts, while critics argue that any engagement with armed groups must be carefully managed to avoid undermining the rule of law.
As political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to intensify, Obi’s remarks provide further insight into how an NDC-led administration would approach some of the country’s most pressing challenges.
For the former governor, the path to a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria lies in a combination of firmness against violence, openness to reconciliation, and a commitment to building a nation where every citizen feels included in the country’s future.
He maintained that achieving national transformation would require honesty, compassion, and the collective determination of Nigerians to work together toward a shared vision of peace, security, and progress.
