Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has pledged to personally join efforts to rescue kidnapped Nigerians if elected president in 2027, declaring that his administration would not tolerate the abduction of schoolchildren or allow armed criminals to operate without resistance.
Obi made the declaration during a campaign rally in Bayelsa State on Friday, October 30, 2026, where he outlined his priorities for national security, education, electricity and public accountability. His remarks followed a similar pledge at a town hall meeting in Enugu on Thursday, underscoring the importance he intends to place on security during his presidential campaign.
“If anybody takes schoolchildren, if anybody kidnaps anybody, I will go into the bush. We will go into that bush and rescue the person. Nobody will try that in our government,” Obi told supporters.
The former governor argued that Nigeria needed leadership prepared to confront security challenges directly rather than remain detached from the experiences of citizens facing kidnapping, violent attacks and restrictions on movement.
He promised to strengthen national unity and restore public confidence in the government's ability to protect lives and property.
“We will make Nigeria work. We will make Nigeria a place where people will live. We will secure Nigeria,” he declared, adding that Nigerians should be able to travel on highways without fear.
Obi cited his recent journeys across several states as evidence of his commitment to engaging communities and understanding the challenges confronting ordinary citizens.
He said he travelled from Enugu to Bayelsa by road after visiting Lokoja, Akwanga and Ebonyi during the week.
The presidential candidate maintained that secure transportation routes were essential for economic activity, public confidence and national development.
His pledge comes against the background of persistent kidnapping and armed violence affecting communities across different parts of Nigeria.
Schoolchildren, travellers, farmers and residents of rural settlements have repeatedly faced abduction threats, prompting demands for stronger intelligence gathering, improved policing and more effective security coordination.
The attacks have also disrupted education, agricultural production and commercial transportation, increasing pressure on households already experiencing economic difficulties.
Although Obi promised direct involvement in rescue efforts, he did not explain whether his remarks meant personally accompanying armed security personnel into dangerous locations or exercising presidential oversight of such operations.
The distinction is important because hostage rescue missions require specialised intelligence, operational planning and trained personnel capable of protecting victims while confronting armed kidnappers.
Nigeria's president serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, with responsibility for national security policy and military leadership.
Operational decisions involving hostage recovery ordinarily require coordination among relevant military, police and intelligence institutions.
Obi's comments therefore represent a campaign commitment rather than an announced operational framework.
At Thursday's Enugu meeting, he similarly declared that he would not remain in office while kidnappers abducted children and escaped into forests.
He argued that the presidency required competence, commitment and direct engagement with citizens.
The former governor also criticised President Bola Tinubu's leadership, questioning the administration's response to insecurity and its engagement with communities across the country.
During the Bayelsa rally, Obi challenged Tinubu over his reported decision not to campaign in the state, which he described as economically significant because of its contribution to Nigeria's petroleum industry.
He also questioned the President's foreign travels, arguing that national leadership required greater attention to domestic concerns.
Obi's assertions about Tinubu's travel record were political criticisms and were not accompanied by independently verified figures establishing the total number of days spent abroad.
The presidency has consistently defended the administration's security and economic policies, while government officials have highlighted ongoing military operations against armed groups.
Obi nevertheless maintained that Nigerians deserved greater accountability from their leaders, particularly concerning public spending, borrowing and the delivery of essential services.
He promised that an NDC administration would prioritise transparent management of government resources and intensify efforts against corruption.
The presidential candidate argued that public funds should support public welfare rather than private enrichment.
He also pledged improvements in education, including collaboration with state governments to make basic education accessible without tuition charges.
His education proposals included expanding classrooms and ensuring that children could attend school in safe environments.
The connection between education and security was particularly prominent in his remarks, reflecting concerns about attacks targeting students and educational institutions.
Obi additionally promised to improve electricity generation, transmission and distribution, setting a target of at least 10,000 megawatts.
He presented reliable electricity as essential for industrial growth, job creation and stronger economic productivity.
However, achieving such a target would require substantial investment in generation facilities, transmission infrastructure, distribution networks and regulatory improvements.
The candidate did not provide a detailed implementation timetable during the reported rally.
His broader economic message emphasised the need to create employment, strengthen productive sectors and address the financial pressures confronting Nigerian families.
The Bayelsa event also featured former governor and NDC national leader Seriake Dickson, who urged Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 elections.
Dickson called on voters to defend their democratic choices and support the party's proposed alternative to the current administration.
The gathering formed part of Obi's expanding campaign activities as political parties seek to mobilise supporters ahead of the presidential contest.
Obi previously contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, finishing third in the official results behind Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
His campaign attracted significant support among younger voters and Nigerians seeking changes in governance, public accountability and economic management.
The latest security pledge reflects an attempt to place personal leadership and public safety at the centre of his renewed presidential ambitions.
However, the effectiveness of any future security programme would depend on measurable policies, institutional capacity and sustained implementation rather than campaign declarations alone.
Kidnapping in Nigeria involves different criminal networks and regional circumstances, requiring responses adapted to local threats and operational realities.
Successful prevention and rescue efforts depend on intelligence, community cooperation, accountable security institutions and measures that reduce the vulnerability of potential victims.
For families affected by abductions, the immediate concern remains the safe recovery of loved ones and the prevention of further attacks.
Obi's promise has introduced a forceful message into the election debate, but its practical significance will depend on the detailed security arrangements his campaign eventually presents.
As Nigerians assess competing presidential candidates, the ability to protect lives, secure highways and restore confidence in public institutions is likely to remain a central measure of political leadership.
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