Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian government, emphasizing that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), must be protected.
In a statement released on Thursday through his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stressed the importance of safeguarding opposition figures as a fundamental duty of the state and a key measure of Nigeria’s democratic health.
The warning appears to stem from recent comments by Peter Obi, who expressed concerns about threats to his life in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election. Obi’s remarks have sparked widespread public condemnation and heightened political tensions.
Atiku declared: “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 further urged the Presidency to respond with statesmanship rather than hostility:
“The Presidency must understand that democratic leadership demands composure, not contempt. When a citizen, particularly an opposition figure, voices concerns about the state of the nation or his personal safety, the first duty of government is to reassure through statesmanship, facts and responsible conduct — not through insults.”
Atiku emphasized that opposition politicians are not enemies of the nation. He identified real challenges facing Nigeria — poverty, hunger, insecurity, corruption, kidnapping, and communal violence — as the true adversaries. He criticized any government that prioritizes attacking critics over tackling these pressing issues.
The statement underscores growing calls for political tolerance and the protection of democratic principles as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
