Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said he is prepared to make any personal sacrifice necessary for Nigeria, insisting that effective leadership demands courage and a willingness to confront the nation’s challenges directly.
Obi made the remarks during an interview on Black Box, a programme hosted by broadcaster Rufai Oseni, where he discussed the country’s worsening security situation and the responsibilities of political leaders.
Responding to questions about the recurring abduction of schoolchildren, attacks on teachers, kidnappings, and assaults on security personnel, the former Anambra State governor argued that leadership begins with determination and commitment rather than rhetoric.
According to him, the growing influence of criminal groups and non-state actors can only be reversed by a government that is willing to assert its authority and take decisive action.
Obi maintained that Nigeria possesses the military capacity needed to tackle insecurity, pointing to the country’s history of participating in international peacekeeping operations in countries such as Liberia, Sudan and Kuwait.
Drawing from his experience as governor of Anambra State, he said his administration confronted criminality directly and created an environment that made it difficult for kidnappers and other criminals to operate.
He stressed that security can only be effectively managed when the government maintains clear control and demonstrates a firm resolve to protect citizens.
Obi further argued that anyone seeking public office, particularly the presidency, must be prepared to bear the risks associated with leadership.
According to him, leaders cannot expect citizens and security personnel to make sacrifices they are unwilling to make themselves.
When asked whether he would personally be willing to die in service to the country, Obi responded that he would.
The former governor said he remains deeply committed to Nigeria and would stand with the country even in times of crisis, adding that he has never sought another nationality and considers Nigeria the only nation to which he owes allegiance.
His comments come amid continued national debate over insecurity, with concerns growing over kidnappings, bandit attacks, violent crime and the safety of communities across several parts of the country.
