Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to ensure the safety of opposition figure Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s remarks followed concerns raised by Obi, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, who recently alleged that he had received threats to his life.
Atiku said the protection of all political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, is the government’s responsibility, stressing that democracy can only thrive when citizens and political actors are free to express their views without fear of intimidation or harm.
He warned that threats against a prominent opposition figure could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process and urged the Presidency to respond to criticism with maturity, responsible leadership and effective governance rather than hostility.
“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. When one citizen begins to fear because of his political beliefs, democracy itself becomes the casualty,” Atiku said.
