By Rhoda Godwin
Washington, D.C. – The Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to engage all groups with grievances across Nigeria through dialogue and inclusiveness if elected president, saying national unity can only be achieved through listening, fairness, and shared prosperity.
Obi made the remarks during an interactive session with Nigerians in Washington, United States, where he outlined his approach to addressing the country’s security and unity challenges.
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According to him, his administration would prioritize dialogue with aggrieved groups across the country.
“I will listen to all agitators, harmonise them and make some sacrifices with a view to bringing the country together,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor explained that many agitations in different parts of the country stem from socio-economic challenges, perceived injustice, exclusion from governance, and uneven development.
He argued that rather than relying solely on security measures, government should address the underlying causes of discontent through engagement and reforms.
Obi’s position has generated public debate, with some critics interpreting his comments as a reference to specific separatist figures. However, his media office clarified that the statement was intended to cover all groups expressing grievances across Nigeria and should not be viewed through an ethnic or sectional lens.
In a statement issued by his media team, Obi’s proposed approach was described as a departure from what it called the traditional “iron-fist” response to agitation, emphasizing dialogue, social justice, and inclusion as tools for strengthening national cohesion.
The statement noted that for decades, successive governments have relied heavily on military and security interventions to address regional grievances in various parts of the country, including the Southeast, Niger Delta, Middle Belt, and Northern regions.
According to the media office, Obi believes that agitation is often a symptom of deeper socio-economic and political challenges and that addressing those concerns through constructive engagement would help foster lasting peace.
The statement further argued that true national unity cannot be imposed but must be built through equitable development, inclusive governance, and respect for democratic participation.
Quoting the principle that “true peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice,” the media office said Obi’s vision is centered on creating a platform where all Nigerians feel heard and represented.
The statement was signed by Ibrahim Umar, spokesman of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), who maintained that dialogue remains a practical and democratic pathway to resolving conflicts and strengthening Nigeria’s unity.
He added that a “New Nigeria is Possible” through fairness, justice, and mutual respect among the country’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.
