TD Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said Nigeria needs more than an end to armed conflict to achieve lasting peace, arguing that insecurity, hunger, poverty and governance failures must also be addressed.
Obi made the remarks on Monday, September 21, in a message marking the International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21.
The United Nations’ theme for the 2026 observance is “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
The UN says peaceful existence extends beyond the absence of war to encompass safety, dignity, opportunity and cooperation in everyday life.
‘Peace Means More Than Absence of Violence’
In his statement, Obi argued that Nigerians cannot experience peaceful lifestyle when citizens remain exposed to insecurity, hunger, poverty and economic hardship.
He said peace should be reflected in the everyday experiences of citizens, including farmers being able to travel safely to their farms, children attending school without fear of abduction, families being able to afford adequate food and young Nigerians having confidence in their future at home.
According to him, Nigeria must therefore broaden its understanding of peace beyond simply ending violent conflicts.
“Peace means more than the absence of violence.
“It 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 Links Peace to Good Governance
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said sustainable peace requires effective governance and institutions capable of protecting citizens and delivering basic services.
He called for governments to safeguard lives, ensure justice, combat corruption, invest in education and healthcare, expand productive opportunities and manage public resources responsibly.
Obi argued that addressing only the visible consequences of insecurity, without tackling the socioeconomic conditions that contribute to instability, would not produce peace living.
His position comes as Nigerian peace and conflict-resolution officials have similarly called for greater investment in peace-building.
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution recently said Nigeria faces interconnected challenges including violent extremism, banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, communal tensions and youth restiveness.
‘Every Naira Misused Is a Lost Opportunity’
Obi also connected the country’s security challenges to the management of public resources.
He argued that resources lost through misuse represent opportunities that could otherwise be directed towards improving security, education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic opportunities.
“Every naira misused represents a lost opportunity to strengthen peace,” he said, while also arguing that unresolved injustices weaken the foundations of social stability.
The former governor called for a shift towards policies centred on citizens and their welfare.
Obi Calls for Citizen-Centred Governance
According to Obi, Nigeria possesses the resources required to become a secure, peaceful and prosperous country.
He said achieving that potential would require leadership, accountability and the political will to place citizens at the centre of governance.
He urged Nigerians to use the International Day of Peace as an opportunity to renew the commitment to building a country where justice is upheld, lives are protected, opportunities are expanded and citizens can live with dignity and hope.
“Responsible governance is the foundation of peace,” Obi said.
He ended his message with his familiar political slogan:
“A new Nigeria is POssible.”
Obi’s Message Comes Ahead of 2027
Obi’s statement comes as he prepares for the 2027 presidential election as the candidate of the NDC.
The former Anambra governor formally joined the NDC in May 2026 after previously leaving the Labour Party and the African Democratic Congress.
The NDC subsequently unveiled him as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
His International Day of Peace message, therefore, combines a broader reflection on peaceful issues that have featured prominently in his political platform, including security, economic opportunity, accountability, education, healthcare and public-sector management.
The statement places governance at the centre of Obi’s argument that Nigeria’s peace challenges cannot be resolved through security measures alone.
