Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to ensure the safety of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress. The statement, released by Atiku’s spokesperson Phrank Shaibu on Thursday, comes amid growing concerns over threats to Obi’s life, which he recently disclosed in an interview ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Atiku emphasized that protecting opposition leaders is not just a moral duty but a constitutional obligation and a measure of Nigeria’s democratic maturity.
The warning follows Peter Obi’s public expression of fear for his safety, a disclosure that has sparked widespread concern among Nigerians. Many citizens have condemned the threats, viewing them as a dangerous escalation in political tensions. Atiku’s intervention underscores the fragility of democratic space in Nigeria, where political dissent is often met with intimidation rather than dialogue. He stressed that any harm to Obi would be a blow to all opposition voices and to democracy itself.
In his statement, Atiku said, “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.” He called on the presidency to demonstrate composure and statesmanship, urging the government to respond to criticism with facts and responsible conduct, not insults or abuse. According to Atiku, democracies thrive on reasoned debate, not personal attacks.
He further argued that the real enemies of Nigeria are not opposition leaders, but poverty, hunger, insecurity, corruption, kidnapping, and the daily violence plaguing communities across the country. Atiku criticized the government for spending more energy attacking critics than tackling these urgent national challenges. “A government that devotes more energy to attacking its critics than confronting these existential challenges has confused political survival with the purpose of governance,” he stated.
Atiku’s message serves as a reminder that a healthy democracy requires the protection of all voices, especially those in opposition. His appeal to President Tinubu reflects a broader call for national unity and responsible leadership. As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the safety and dignity of political figures like Peter Obi will remain a critical test of the country’s democratic resilience. The coming years will determine whether Nigeria chooses dialogue over division, and protection over persecution.
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