Peter Obi has declared that he is prepared to lay down his life for Nigeria if called upon to lead the country through its deepening security crisis.

The former Anambra State governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Party made the declaration during a conversation on the Black Box interview on Nevon HQ with journalist Rufai Oseni.

Pressed on what he would do as Commander-in-Chief to rescue kidnapped schoolchildren, respond to the beheading of teachers and tackle the killing of senior military officers, Obi framed the challenge as a test of leadership courage rather than merely a question of tactics.

He argued that genuine leadership in a time of national emergency demands a willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice, insisting that a leader who fears death cannot credibly confront violent non-state actors.

“I have fought criminality in Anambra. Commitment solves the problem for everybody,” he said, recalling his tenure as governor when the state was notorious for kidnapping and violent crime.

Obi recounted how his administration confronted criminal gangs, forcing many out of the state. He cited an interview with a notorious kidnapper known as Vance, who, according to Obi, admitted that Anambra became too difficult for such operations under his watch.

“One government. It’s either I’m in charge or they’re in charge. One person must be in charge. We declare war. If you’re ready to lead, you must be ready to die. If you’re not ready to die, go home,” he said.

When asked directly if he was personally ready to die for Nigeria, Obi responded without hesitation: “Yes.”

He added that even if conflict were to erupt while he was abroad, he would return to stand with the country. “If I’m outside this country and there’s war, I’ll come back. I’m a Nigerian. I’ve never had any reason to have any country’s passport… God created me a Nigerian. And I’m ready to die here.”

His comments come against the backdrop of persistent banditry, mass abductions and targeted attacks on security personnel and educators in several regions, a situation he believes can be reversed through resolute, accountable leadership.

Obi expressed confidence that with such leadership, Nigeria could reclaim the military professionalism and regional influence it once demonstrated in peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Sudan and Kuwait.