Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has said he would engage in dialogue with separatist agitators and religious figures if elected president. In an interview on Nevon News hosted by Rufai Oseni, Obi stated he would negotiate with Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho, Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi, and leaders of the Biafra agitation. He emphasized his approach would not focus on assigning blame but on finding solutions through discussion. "When I'm elected, I will discuss with everybody," Obi said. "In solving this problem, I want to sit down with everybody and say, 'let's go this way'." He cited his experience as governor of Anambra State, where he convened meetings with traditional rulers and stakeholders to resolve disputes. Obi expressed confidence that those he seeks to engage would participate in talks, framing them as necessary for national stability. When asked how he would respond if figures like Gumi refused to engage, Obi replied, "They will listen to me, they are in the problem. How can you call someone who is sick to come to the hospital, and he says he won't come?" He did not outline specific conditions or frameworks for such negotiations, nor did he clarify how his administration would balance dialogue with national security concerns. The statement forms part of his broader campaign message centered on dialogue, inclusion, and non-confrontational governance. No formal invitations or scheduled meetings with the named individuals have been announced.
Peter Obi claims he will negotiate with separatist figures and religious agitators, including Sunday Igboho and Ahmad Gumi, if elected president. He offered no criteria for who qualifies for such talks or how they would differ from existing government efforts. His analogy comparing agitators to sick patients implies a one-sided diagnosis of national issues, with no room for dissenting views. The approach assumes willingness to engage on his terms, without addressing potential risks or legal boundaries.
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