Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed his readiness to dialogue with bandits and other violent groups in the country on the condition that they abandon criminality, should he be elected in the 2027 general elections.

Obi, who ran for the presidency on the platform of the Labour Party, vowed that his administration would deploy force against bandits and other criminal groups who remain committed to violence should he have his way in 2027.

The former governor of Anambra made the comment while speaking in an interview on BlackBox with Rufai Oseni. He then highlighted his "approach to restoring security and national cohesion in the country” if elected.

He insisted that the lasting peace would be about engaging individuals and groups who were willing to engage in reconciliation and contribute positively to building the country.

Obi also stressed that Nigeria should be able to create the pathways for the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals who genuinely renounce the act and show their readiness to change.


NIGERIANS REACT AS Obi SPEAKS ON ENGAGING BANDITS

However, the news has started generating mixed reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of their comments:

Abdul-Aziz Na'ibi Abubakar said that Obi was only overzealous:

"Peter Obi should be reminded that bandits do not have PVCs if he is saying this to win them over. His desperation to be in power defies common sense. Whoever promises to negotiate with terrorists must be seen by Nigerians as a threat to their lives and social well-being, especially Northerners, who have suffered from insecurity for years. Nigerians must reject Peter Obi in 2027."


Rheedwhan said it was not sure Obi understands the presidency:

"Until they kidnap you and k-i-ll you, I doubt this man understands what it takes to be president; he just sits somewhere and imagines life, imagination wan k-i-ll am."


Organised Thoughts said Obi only appealed to people's emotions:

"Tinubu's not the real threat to our democracy; Obi is. Because he deeply talks about the emotions of our young, innocent people. He's a terrible time bomb. Ordinarily, this guy will make a good VP, where he will learn so much and later be promoted. But see him messing up things!"


Prince Uthman posited that Obi speaks more on assumption:

"The more people speak, the more they reveal the content of their personality. Sometimes, it's better to be judged by assumption than by reality, as they say."