Presidential hopeful and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has said that if elected President in 2027, his administration would be open to engaging and negotiating with armed groups who are genuinely willing to embrace peace.

Obi made the position known while speaking on Nigeria’s worsening security situation, stressing that dialogue remains an important tool in resolving conflicts, especially when it leads to lasting stability and reduces violence across affected regions.

He explained that while his government would prioritize law enforcement and decisive action against criminality, it would not ignore opportunities for peaceful resolution where such avenues are viable.

According to him, engagement with bandits or insurgents should not be misunderstood as weakness, but rather as a strategic approach aimed at ending bloodshed and addressing the root causes of insecurity.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate added that national security requires a combination of dialogue, justice, and strong institutional response to restore peace and rebuild trust in affected communities.

His comments come amid ongoing national debate over how best to tackle insecurity, with differing views between advocates of strict military action and those who support negotiation and rehabilitation strategies.