Obi vows to declare war on terrorists if elected president

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has laid out a starkly decisive stance on Nigeria's escalating insecurity, vowing to "declare war on terrorists" and eschew negotiation if he secures the presidency. Drawing a direct parallel to his tenure as governor, Obi asserted that a firm, action-oriented approach is paramount to restoring safety across the nation.

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No nation will lose about 10 of its senior officers without a response. I will declare war on the terrorists. There is nothing like negotiation.

Speaking on Arise TV, Obi directly addressed the recent killing of Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah and soldiers in Borno State, stating that such losses demand a robust response. He firmly rejected negotiation as a viable strategy, instead advocating for immediate, decisive military action, a strategy he claims proved effective during his time in Anambra.

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I had to come here and tell President Obasanjo, this is what I want to do and you must allow me to do it.

Obi, however, cautioned that military might alone is insufficient. He attributed the current crisis to a "cumulative effect of leadership failure over the years," citing the erosion of governance, values, and the neglect of youth and education. His proposed solution is a dual strategy: immediate forceful action coupled with long-term institutional reform and the re-establishment of justice and social trust.

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The IG, Abubakar, came and said for five years, we have not had issue of major robbery or kidnapping in Anambra State.

Looking ahead, Obi expressed his intention to collaborate with prominent northern political figures, including former governors Nasir el-Rufai and Rabiu Kwankwaso. He stressed his commitment to "lead from the front," ensuring that his leadership is visible and impactful, a stark contrast to what he perceives as current governance failures.

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What you are seeing today is the cumulative effect of leadership failure over the years, erosion of governance, erosion of values, abandoning the youth, education, social trust, everything.