Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has promised to engage with agitators across the country through dialogue if elected president in 2027, saying national unity can only be achieved by listening to citizens’ grievances.
According to a statement issued by the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Obi made the remarks during an interaction with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States, where he was asked how he would address growing political and regional tensions in the country.
The former Anambra State governor said he would adopt a dialogue-based approach to resolving conflicts, insisting that many agitations are rooted in economic hardship, exclusion, injustice, and poor governance.
“I will listen to all agitators, harmonise them and make some sacrifices with a view to bringing the country together,” Obi said.
Dialogue Over Force
Obi’s media office explained that his position represents a shift from the traditional security-focused response to unrest, arguing that many agitations are symptoms of deeper social and economic problems.
According to the statement, the former governor believes that lasting peace can only be achieved when citizens feel heard, included, and fairly treated by the government.
The media office also accused critics of misrepresenting Obi’s comments by linking them solely to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, stressing that his remarks were directed at all groups expressing grievances across different parts of Nigeria.
Building Unity Through Inclusion
The statement further argued that poverty, unemployment, and uneven development have contributed to rising tensions in several regions of the country.
It maintained that encouraging dialogue and civic engagement would help restore confidence in democratic institutions while promoting fairness, justice, and national cohesion.
Obi’s media team concluded that Nigeria’s unity cannot be imposed through force alone but must be built through inclusion, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.
Source: Adapted from a statement by the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR).
