2027: I’ll Negotiate With Bandits Who Seek Peace, Fight Those Who Choose Violence — Peter Obi

2027: I’ll Negotiate With Bandits Who Seek Peace, Fight Those Who Choose Violence — Peter Obi

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said he would adopt a combination of dialogue and force to tackle insecurity if elected president in 2027, pledging to engage bandits and other violent groups willing to renounce criminality while taking decisive action against those who refuse to embrace peace.

Obi made the remarks during an interview on BlackBox with broadcaster Rufai Oseni, where he outlined what he described as a balanced strategy for restoring security, strengthening national unity and rebuilding trust across the country.

The former Anambra State governor said lasting peace cannot be achieved through military operations alone, stressing that governments must also create opportunities for reconciliation, rehabilitation and reintegration for individuals who genuinely abandon violence.

According to Obi, his administration would be open to negotiations with any group prepared to embrace peace and contribute positively to nation-building.

“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 said.

The 2027 presidential hopeful argued that Nigeria has reached a point where leaders must distinguish between hardened criminals and those willing to reform, insisting that societies make progress when they provide opportunities for redemption rather than permanently condemning people for past mistakes.

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To illustrate his position, Obi recalled visiting a university in the United States where several members of the institution’s leadership had previously served prison terms before rebuilding their lives and careers.

According to him, the experience reinforced his belief that individuals who demonstrate genuine change should be given a second chance to contribute to society.

The former governor also linked the country’s security challenges to issues of inclusion and national cohesion. He maintained that every region and ethnic group must feel represented in governance and national development if Nigeria is to achieve lasting peace and stability.

Obi said his vision for the country is anchored on fairness, equal opportunity and inclusiveness, stressing that no tribe or section of the country should feel marginalised.

“I will unite the country and ensure that nobody is left behind. No tribe is left behind; there would be inclusiveness. We will show love and care for everybody,” he added.

The comments come amid renewed debate over the best approach to addressing Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and separatist agitations.

While some security experts and peace advocates support dialogue as part of a broader conflict-resolution strategy, others argue that negotiations with armed groups could legitimise criminality and undermine ongoing military operations.

Critics of talks with bandits have often cited previous resolutions of the National Assembly and comments by senior legal practitioners who warn that negotiating with terrorists and violent criminal groups may conflict with anti-terrorism laws and send the wrong message to those engaged in criminal activities.

However, supporters of engagement argue that dialogue, when combined with effective security operations and economic reforms, can encourage defections, reduce violence and address some of the root causes of insecurity.

As political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum, Obi’s latest remarks are expected to intensify discussions over the role of negotiation, rehabilitation and military force in tackling Nigeria’s security crisis.

2027: I’ll Negotiate With Bandits Who Seek Peace, Fight Those Who Choose Violence — Peter Obi