Peter Obi Promises War on Terrorism if Elected President

Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections, stated in an interview with Arise TV that he would declare war on terrorists if elected president. He rejected negotiations with terrorists, arguing that no nation should lose senior officers without a response.

Obi's comments came in light of Nigeria's worsening security situation, highlighted by the recent killing of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and several soldiers in a Boko Haram and ISWAP attack in Borno State. He emphasized that military force alone is insufficient to address the root causes of insecurity, which he attributed to decades of leadership failure and neglect of youth education and social trust.

Obi outlined a two-track response strategy: immediate decisive action and long-term institutional rebuilding. He also noted the importance of front-line leadership and collaboration with northern political figures, including former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rabiu Kwankwaso.