01/06/2026
*OBI-KWANKWASO DECLARE ‘WAR ON INSECURITY’, REJECT RANSOM DEALS AS PARENTS AWAIT MISSING CHILDREN*
*NDC Ticket Vows End to ‘Repentant Terrorist’ Policy, Promises Hourly Updates Until Pupils Freed*
*ABUJA* — NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, yesterday announced a “war on insecurity” that bans ransom payments, ends amnesty for terrorists, and places security chiefs on a _“deliver or resign”_ ultimatum.
The declaration comes as parents in Niger State mark 41 days since gunmen emptied classrooms, with families _“still waiting to hear from them”_ while accusing leaders of _“acting as if nothing is wrong.”_
_“Their offence seems to be they were born in Nigeria, where life appears to be less valued by those in leadership,”_ Obi said, his voice breaking during a press briefing in Abuja. _“We will not lead a nation where children go to school and parents wait at graves.”_
The Obi-Kwankwaso ticket released a five-point security pact in response to what they called the _“normalization of tragedy.”_
*1. No Ransom, No Amnesty*
_“To pay people for going into crime is unacceptable,”_ Obi stated. Kwankwaso, a former Defence Minister, added: _“Justice will be loud enough that criminals won’t dream of ‘repenting’ into uniforms.”_ Both rejected reintegrating insurgents into the military or society.
*2. Security Chiefs on Notice*
Obi cited his record as Anambra governor, when he told President Obasanjo: _“This is what I want to do, and you must allow me to do it.”_ The result, he said, was five years without major kidnapping or robbery, confirmed by then-IGP Abubakar. _“Under us, security chiefs deliver or go. The country will feel it.”_
*3. National Emergency, Live Briefings*
_“There must be no relenting until all the children are reunited with their families,”_ Obi said. The ticket pledged hourly situation-room updates until every abducted pupil is home. _“If it can be done for elections, it can be done for lives.”_
*4.
