By David Oluyide
The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress for the 2027 elections, Peter Obi, has said he is ready to die for Nigeria while answering questions bordering on insecurity.
According to him, anyone ready to lead must be ready to die, stressing that leadership demands sacrifice.
The former Anambra State governor spoke in a recent episode of the Black Box interview on Nevon HQ with journalist Rufai Oseni, posted on Tuesday.
When asked what he would do as Commander-in-Chief to rescue kidnapped schoolchildren held in the forest by bandits, Obi emphasised the need for commitment and decisive leadership.
“I have fought criminality in Anambra. Commitment solves the problem for everybody,” he said.
He recounted how, during his tenure as Anambra governor, notorious kidnappers were forced out of the state.
Obi referenced an interview with a prominent kidnapper known as Vance, who he said admitted that criminal operations became untenable under his administration.
“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,” the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election added.
When asked directly if he was ready to die for Nigeria, the former Labour Party presidential candidate replied in the affirmative: “Yes.”
He also said that if there was war in Nigeria and he was outside the country, he would return.
“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 came amid the myriad security challenges facing Nigeria, particularly the case of 40 schoolchildren and seven teachers held by bandits in Oyo State.
The victims were abducted from different schools in the Ogbomosho area of Oyo State in May and have spent a month in captivity.
Protests have erupted in different parts of the country as Nigerians continue to call for their release.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from Third Lens.
Contact: theeditor@thirdlensng.com
