Nothing Must Happen to Peter Obi, says Atiku as he warns Tinubu’s government over the safety of opposition leaders ahead of 2027
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government that “nothing must happen” to Peter Obi, following concerns raised by the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate over his safety ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Atiku issued the warning in a statement on Thursday through his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, after Obi recently expressed fears about possible threats to his life during an interview.
The comments have triggered reactions from political groups and Nigerians, with concerns raised over the safety of opposition figures and the state of political engagement ahead of the next election cycle.
Atiku said the protection of every opposition leader was a constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian state and an important measure of the country’s democratic progress.
“Nothing must happen to Peter Obi. An injury to one is an injury to all. When one opposition leader is intimidated, every opposition voice is diminished,” Atiku said.
He added that when citizens begin to fear expressing political views, democracy suffers.
The former vice president also urged the Presidency to respond to concerns raised by opposition figures with responsibility and dialogue rather than criticism.
“The first duty of government is to reassure through statesmanship, facts and responsible conduct, not through insults,” he said.
Atiku argued that political opposition should not be treated as a threat to the country, saying national challenges such as poverty, insecurity, corruption and kidnapping require greater attention.
“The opposition is not the enemy of Nigeria. Poverty is the enemy. Hunger is the enemy. Insecurity is the enemy,” he stated.
The ADC candidate said a government that focuses more on attacking critics than addressing major national issues risks confusing political survival with effective governance.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election and is preparing for another attempt in 2027, had earlier raised concerns about his personal safety and alleged difficulties faced by opposition politicians.
The Federal Government has not publicly responded to Atiku’s latest comments.
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The development comes as political parties and major figures continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential contest, with security and political freedom becoming key issues in public debate.
