The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has declared that his administration would not permit criminals or non-state actors to take control of any part of Nigeria, insisting that there must be only one authority in charge of the country.
Speaking on the nation’s security challenges, Obi said Nigeria cannot continue to tolerate a situation where armed groups operate freely while citizens live in fear. He stressed that the authority of the Nigerian state must be restored and protected at all costs.
Drawing from his experience as Governor of Anambra State, Obi recalled confronting insecurity head-on and taking decisive action against criminal elements operating in the state at the time.
According to him, notorious kidnap kingpin Evans once admitted during a live interview that he was forced to leave Anambra following the state’s crackdown on criminal activities.
Obi said that when he declared war against criminals in Anambra, the message was unambiguous: anyone committed to protecting the people must be prepared to make sacrifices.
“I have never taken another country’s passport. God created me a Nigerian, and I am ready to die here,” Obi stated, emphasizing his commitment to the nation and its future.
He lamented the worsening security situation across the country, arguing that Nigeria should not be preoccupied with politics and electioneering while citizens, including schoolchildren, remain in captivity in forests and criminal hideouts.
According to Obi, addressing insecurity requires leaders with capacity, competence, compassion, and commitment. He maintained that effective leadership is the key to defeating criminality and restoring public confidence in government.
The former governor pledged that if elected president, he would work around the clock with security chiefs and coordinate all security agencies toward finding immediate solutions to the country’s security crisis.
On the question of negotiating with criminal groups, Obi said he would be willing to engage all stakeholders in pursuit of peace and security, but firmly maintained that Nigeria must never surrender its authority to criminals.
“There can only be one authority in Nigeria—the authority of the Nigerian state,” he said.
Obi’s remarks come amid growing concerns over kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and other forms of violent crime, which continue to pose significant challenges to national security and economic development.
