LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Party, has declared his readiness to die for Nigeria, saying genuine leadership demands sacrifice in the face of worsening insecurity.
The former Anambra State governor made the remarks during an interview with journalist Rufai Oseni on Nevon HQ’s Black Box program, posted Tuesday. Asked how he would respond as Commander-in-Chief to kidnappings of schoolchildren, killings of teachers, and attacks on senior military officers, Obi said leadership requires commitment above all else.
“I have fought criminality in Anambra. Commitment solves the problem for everybody,” he said, recalling how his administration forced notorious kidnappers out of the state. He referenced an interview with a kidnapper known as Vance, who admitted criminal operations became untenable under Obi’s tenure.
“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,” Obi said. When asked directly if he was ready to die for Nigeria, he replied, “Yes. 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.”
His comments come amid persistent banditry, kidnappings for ransom, and attacks on schools and security personnel. In May, 40 students and teachers were abducted in Oyo State, with one teacher killed and another beheaded. Days later, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar was abducted in Katsina State and later confirmed dead.
Obi lamented the rise of non-state actors challenging state authority and said committed leadership could restore Nigeria’s military glory, recalling past peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Sudan, and Kuwait.
Obi, 64, first rose to national prominence as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014, where he was credited with reforms in education and security. He later contested the 2019 vice-presidential election as running mate to Atiku Abubakar under the People’s Democratic Party, and ran for president in 2023 under the Labour Party, finishing third. His move to the Nigerian Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 election has reignited debate about his political future.
Reactions to his remarks were swift. On social media, supporters hailed his courage: “This is the kind of leader Nigeria needs — fearless and committed,” one user wrote. Another added, “Obi is ready to die for Nigeria, but are Nigerians ready to live for Nigeria?” Critics, however, dismissed the statement as rhetoric. “We don’t need martyrs, we need practical solutions,” a commentator posted.
Political voices were divided. Some opposition figures accused Obi of dramatizing insecurity without offering concrete plans, while allies praised his passion as evidence of his sincerity. Education bodies and social commentators said his words resonated with citizens weary of violence, but stressed that Nigerians want action, not just declarations.
For many ordinary Nigerians, Obi’s statement struck a chord. “We are tired of leaders who run away when things get tough. At least he says he will stand and fight,” one resident in Lagos said.
