Peter Obi security plan promises decisive action in troubled states, with the NDC candidate vowing to personally lead responses to insecurity
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, said he would not remain in Abuja while communities in states such as Zamfara and Niger face serious security threats, during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Also read: Peter Obi Explains Why He Won’t Step Down for Atiku
Obi said Nigeria’s worsening security crisis was having a damaging effect on lives and livelihoods, with insecurity disrupting farming, productivity and the movement of people across affected areas.
The former Anambra State governor said a president serving as Commander-in-Chief must be physically engaged when serious security challenges emerge rather than rely solely on officials operating from the Federal Capital Territory.
“As Commander-in-Chief, I won’t sit in Abuja when there’s a problem in Zamfara or Niger. We will visit and go and deal with it decisively,” Obi said.
He said his approach would involve immediate consultations with local stakeholders to develop responses tailored to the realities of affected communities.
“And I will commence immediate consultation with stakeholders in different areas of Nigeria on how to deal with it,” he added.
Obi also suggested that existing security commanders could remain in their positions where appropriate, but stressed that a new administration under his leadership would demonstrate direct presidential involvement in tackling insecurity.
“Even if you are retaining the ones that are there, they will know that a new Commander-in-Chief is involved, and I’ll be at the forefront,” he said.
The NDC candidate added that his administration would move beyond making appointments in Abuja and instead focus attention on the areas where security problems are most acute.
“I’m going to move not just appointing them; we’re going to move to the critical areas,” Obi said.
Security remains one of Nigeria’s most persistent national challenges, particularly in parts of the North-West and North-Central regions, where armed groups, kidnappings and other forms of violence have affected communities and economic activity.
Zamfara has experienced prolonged insecurity, while Niger State has also faced attacks and criminal activity in several communities.
The consequences have extended beyond immediate security concerns, affecting agriculture, trade, education and the freedom of residents to travel.
Obi’s remarks come as the 2027 presidential race gathers momentum and political parties seek to convince voters that their candidates can address the country’s security and economic difficulties.
His emphasis on presidential presence is also part of a broader argument that national leadership should be more directly connected to communities experiencing the consequences of insecurity.
For Obi, the proposed approach would combine stronger political oversight with consultation involving local stakeholders and security officials.
Also read: Peter Obi Explains Why He Won’t Step Down for Atiku
The pledge places security at the centre of his campaign message as he seeks to present himself as a president who would take a hands-on approach to Nigeria’s most urgent challenges.
