Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has strongly rejected proposals to negotiate with bandits, warning that such talks will only enrich terrorists and worsen Nigeria`s security crisis. He described the dialogue strategy as a proven failure that undermines the efforts of national security agencies.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Ganduje reacted to recent statements by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. Kwankwaso had indicated that a Peter Obi-led presidency in 2027 would hold dialogue with terrorists to restore peace, a stance Ganduje firmly condemned.

The APC chieftain argued that granting concessions, logistics, and money to non-state actors operating illegal firearms creates an enabling environment for terror to thrive. He noted that asking local authorities, traditional rulers, and police to sit with heavily armed forest fighters undermines constitutional law and order.

According to Ganduje, past attempts at negotiation have only legitimised criminality, leaving bandits with millions of naira in ransom and logistics to fund heavier weaponry. He stressed that these financial windfalls are systematically used to purchase more weapons, which are then deployed against citizens to cause panic and trigger further negotiations.

Advocating instead for sustained kinetic action, Ganduje stated that the solution lies in the coordinated strategies of the nation`s security forces. He emphasized that the Air Force, Army, Navy, police, and DSS must be empowered to do their due diligence rather than relying on a failed system of appeasement.

The political row highlights the deep ideological divide on national security ahead of the 2027 general elections. While the opposition proposes dialogue as a path to peace, the ruling party camp maintains that compromising with unlicensed gunmen only fuels the lucrative business of kidnapping.

Ganduje concluded by urging security agencies to maintain aggressive tactical pressure on criminal elements across the country. He warned that any government policy that bows to criminal intimidation will continue to fail and jeopardize the safety of all Nigerians.