Abuja, Nigeria – Former Anambra State governor and presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, has declared that he would adopt a hardline stance against terrorism, vowing to “declare war” on terrorist groups if elected president in the 2027 general elections.
Obi made the statement during a televised interview on Monday while addressing Nigeria’s worsening security situation. His remarks come amid renewed concerns over persistent attacks by insurgents and armed groups across several parts of the country.
Hardline Position Against Terrorism
Speaking on national television, Obi rejected the idea of negotiating with terrorists, insisting that decisive military action is necessary to restore security.
“I will declare war on the terrorists. There is nothing like negotiation,” he said. (Punch Newspapers)
The former presidential candidate emphasized that no responsible nation would tolerate repeated attacks on its military personnel and citizens without a strong response. His comments were partly in reaction to recent deadly attacks involving Nigerian soldiers in the North-East.
Drawing From Anambra Experience
Obi pointed to his tenure as governor of Anambra State as evidence that firm and strategic leadership can significantly reduce insecurity. He argued that the approach he adopted during his administration—characterized by decisive action and coordination with federal authorities—could be replicated at the national level.
According to him, Anambra experienced a prolonged period of relative peace during his time in office, with significantly reduced cases of armed robbery and kidnapping. (Punch Newspapers)
He recalled seeking the backing of then-President Olusegun Obasanjo to implement his security strategy, noting that collaboration between federal and state authorities was key to achieving results.
Two-Pronged Strategy: Force and Reform
While advocating a military crackdown on terrorist groups, Obi stressed that force alone would not be sufficient to address Nigeria’s deep-rooted security challenges.
He outlined a two-pronged approach that combines:
- Immediate and decisive security operations
- Long-term governance reforms
According to Obi, the current insecurity is the result of years of leadership failures, weak institutions, youth neglect, and socio-economic inequalities.
“What you are seeing today is the cumulative effect of leadership failure… erosion of governance, erosion of values, abandoning the youth,” he said. (Punch Newspapers)
He added that rebuilding institutions, ensuring justice, and improving governance would be essential to achieving lasting peace.
Focus on Northern Nigeria
Obi also signaled his intention to focus heavily on security challenges in Northern Nigeria, where terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping remain most prevalent. He disclosed plans to work with key political stakeholders across the region to address the crisis.
Among those he mentioned as potential collaborators are prominent northern political figures, highlighting the need for a united national effort to combat insecurity.
“I will be in the North,” Obi said, indicating a hands-on leadership approach. (Punch Newspapers)
Leadership Style: Frontline Governance
The former governor emphasized that his leadership style would be proactive and visible, particularly in handling national security.
“I am not going to lead from the back. People will see, they will feel it,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to direct involvement in security operations and decision-making. (Punch Newspapers)
Analysts say such an approach could resonate with voters seeking stronger and more responsive leadership amid ongoing security challenges.
Nigeria’s Persistent Security Crisis
Nigeria continues to grapple with a complex security landscape, including:
- Insurgency by groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East
- Banditry and mass kidnappings in the North-West
- Communal clashes in the North-Central
- Separatist tensions in parts of the South-East
Recent attacks on military personnel and civilians have heightened calls for a more robust and coordinated response from the government.
Political Context Ahead of 2027 Elections
Obi remains a key figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections. After contesting the 2023 presidential election, he has continued to position himself as a reform-oriented candidate focused on governance, economic recovery, and national security.
His recent statements are widely seen as part of early policy positioning, aimed at addressing one of the most critical concerns among Nigerian voters—security.
Political observers note that security will likely be a defining issue in the 2027 elections, with candidates expected to present clear and actionable plans to tackle terrorism and criminality.
Reactions and Implications
Obi’s declaration has sparked discussions among security experts and political analysts. While some have welcomed his firm stance, others have cautioned that military action alone may not be sufficient without addressing underlying socio-economic factors.
Experts emphasize that effective counterterrorism requires a combination of:
- Strong military operations
- Intelligence gathering and coordination
- Community engagement
- Economic development and job creation
Conclusion
Peter Obi’s vow to declare war on terrorists if elected president underscores the central role of security in Nigeria’s political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections. His proposed approach—combining decisive force with long-term reforms—reflects a growing consensus that tackling insecurity requires both immediate action and structural change.
As Nigeria continues to face persistent threats from insurgency and organized crime, the debate over the most effective path to national security is expected to intensify in the months leading up to the next general elections.
