Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has said he would be willing to engage in dialogue with terrorist groups as part of a broader strategy to restore peace and security in Nigeria if elected president.
Speaking on the country’s persistent security challenges, Obi argued that military action alone may not be sufficient to end years of insurgency, banditry and violent extremism. He stressed that meaningful engagement, alongside decisive security measures, could help address the root causes of conflict and pave the way for lasting peace.
“I will dialogue with terrorists if elected president,” Obi said, maintaining that negotiations should not be ruled out where they can save lives and bring an end to violence.
The remarks are likely to reignite debate over Nigeria’s approach to combating insecurity, with supporters viewing dialogue as a pragmatic path to peace, while critics argue that negotiating with armed groups risks legitimising their actions.
Nigeria has battled multiple security threats for more than a decade, with successive governments adopting a mix of military operations, intelligence-led interventions and, in some instances, negotiations aimed at securing peace.
