Peter Obi
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said Nigeria cannot achieve lasting peace unless the country tackles insecurity, poverty, hunger and poor governance.
Obi made the statement in a message posted on his verified X account on Tuesday to mark the 2026 International Day of Peace.
According to him, peace is not only about the absence of conflict but also about creating conditions that allow citizens to live safely and with dignity.
“As the world observes the International Day of Peace, Nigeria must acknowledge a difficult truth: enduring peace cannot be achieved while citizens continue to face insecurity, hunger, poverty, and despair,” Obi said.
He explained that true peace exists “when farmers can travel safely to and from their fields, children can attend school without the threat of abduction, families can afford adequate food, and young people can envision a future in their own country.”
Obi said achieving such peace requires responsible and people-centred leadership. He stressed that governments must protect lives, uphold justice, fight corruption, improve education and healthcare, create economic opportunities and manage public resources wisely.
“For this reason, peace must be grounded in effective governance. Governments must safeguard lives, ensure justice, combat corruption, invest in education and healthcare, expand productive opportunities, and manage national resources responsibly,” he stated.
The former Anambra State governor warned that Nigeria would make little progress if authorities continued to focus only on the consequences of insecurity without addressing its root causes.
“We cannot continue addressing only the visible effects of insecurity while neglecting the circumstances that generate desperation and instability,” he said.
Obi also linked corruption and injustice to the country’s growing security and social challenges.
“Every naira misused represents a lost opportunity to strengthen peace. Every citizen left without support reflects a crisis overlooked. Every injustice committed erodes the foundations of peace,” he added.
He maintained that Nigeria has enough human and natural resources to become a peaceful and prosperous nation if leaders demonstrate accountability and place the welfare of citizens above personal interests.
“Nigeria possesses the resources necessary to become a secure, peaceful, and prosperous nation. What is required is leadership, accountability, and the political will to place the Nigerian people at the centre of governance,” Obi said.
Calling on Nigerians to reflect on the significance of the day, Obi urged leaders and citizens to work towards building a nation where justice prevails, lives are protected and opportunities are available for everyone.
“On this International Day of Peace, let us pledge to build a Nigeria in which justice is upheld, lives are protected, opportunities are expanded, and every citizen can live with dignity and hope.
“Responsible governance is the foundation of peace.
“A new Nigeria is POssible.”
The International Day of Peace is observed globally every September 21 to promote peace, justice, tolerance and non-violence. In Nigeria, the annual event comes at a time when concerns over insecurity, economic hardship and the rising cost of living continue to dominate national discourse.
