I am ready to die for Nigeria, says Peter Obi

The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Party, Peter Obi, has declared that he is ready to die for Nigeria, saying effective leadership requires courage, commitment and a willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice in the face of the country’s worsening security challenges.

Obi made the remarks during a recent edition of the Black Box interview on Nevon HQ with journalist Rufai Oseni, which was published on Tuesday.

The former Anambra State governor was responding to questions on how he would tackle insecurity as Commander-in-Chief, including the abduction of schoolchildren, attacks on teachers and the killing of senior military officers across the country.

While he did not provide specific operational details, Obi insisted that genuine commitment from leaders remains the key factor in addressing insecurity.

“I have fought criminality in Anambra. Commitment solves the problem for everybody,” he said.

The former governor recalled his administration’s efforts against kidnapping and violent crime in Anambra State, noting that criminal groups were forced out during his tenure.

Obi cited the case of a notorious kidnapper known as Vance, whom he said later admitted that criminal activities became difficult to sustain under his government.

Emphasising the need for firm leadership, Obi said: “One government. It’s either I’m in charge or they’re in charge. One person must be in charge.

“We declare war. If you’re ready to lead, you must be ready to die. If you’re not ready to die, go home.”

When asked directly whether he was personally prepared to die for Nigeria, Obi answered in the affirmative.

“Yes.”

He went further to stress his commitment to the country regardless of circumstances.

“Tomorrow. If I’m outside this country and there’s war, I’ll come back. I’m a Nigerian. I’ve never had any reason to have any country’s passport… God created me a Nigerian. And I’m ready to die here.”

The comments come against the backdrop of persistent security concerns across several parts of Nigeria, including incidents of banditry, kidnapping for ransom and attacks on schools and security personnel.

In May, 40 pupils and teachers were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. One teacher was reportedly killed during the attack, while another was later beheaded in captivity.

Also in May, former military spokesman Rabe Abubakar and his wife were abducted in Katsina State. The retired major general was later confirmed dead, while his wife was subsequently rescued.

Obi lamented what he described as the growing influence of non-state actors challenging government authority and expressed confidence that determined leadership could reverse the trend.

He also recalled periods when Nigerian troops played significant peacekeeping roles in countries such as Liberia, Sudan and Kuwait.

According to him, the critical issue is not the availability of security plans but the willingness of leaders to confront the challenge decisively.

Obi maintained that with commitment, discipline and strong leadership, Nigeria can regain control of its security environment and restore public confidence in the state.