The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has indicated his willingness to negotiate with bandits and other violent groups if they demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace.
Obi disclosed this during a media interview with journalist Rufai Oseni, where he outlined his approach to tackling insecurity and promoting national unity if elected president.
The NDC candidate said his administration would engage any group willing to abandon violence and embrace peace, but warned that those who choose conflict would be confronted accordingly.
According to him, national unity would remain a priority of his government, stressing that dialogue and reconciliation are necessary for rebuilding the country.
Obi argued that individuals who have made mistakes in the past should be given an opportunity to reform and contribute positively to society if they show genuine commitment to peaceful coexistence.
To support his position, he cited an experience during a visit to a university in the United States, where several members of the institution’s leadership had previously served prison terms but were later reintegrated and entrusted with responsibilities.
He said the experience reinforced his belief that people who are willing to change should not be permanently defined by their past actions.
The former Anambra State governor maintained that Nigeria had reached a stage where honesty, reconciliation and inclusion were necessary for national progress.
Obi further said his administration would be anchored on inclusiveness, national cohesion and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of ethnic or regional background.
He pledged to unite the country and ensure that no tribe, region or group feels excluded, adding that his government would be guided by love, care and fairness for all Nigerians.
“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
“I once visited a university in America where the entire faculty are people who came out of prison. From the dean to the registrar, professors spent years in prison for one offence or another. 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.
“I will unite the country and secure that nobody is left behind. No tribe is left behind; there would be inclusiveness. We will show love and care for everybody.”
