Peter Obi’s Safety Is Nigeria’s Democratic Test, Atiku Tells Tinubu

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that no harm comes to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

Atiku made the appeal in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, following recent concerns raised by Obi over alleged threats to his life ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Peter Obi had recently disclosed in an interview that he was facing threats to his safety, a development that sparked widespread concern among Nigerians, with many condemning political intimidation and threats against opposition figures.

Reacting to the development, Atiku said protecting the lives of opposition leaders is a constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian government and a critical measure of the country’s democratic values.

He 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.”

The former Vice President also urged the Presidency to respond to criticism with maturity and statesmanship rather than hostility.

According to him, democratic governance requires leaders to reassure citizens with facts, responsible conduct and constructive engagement, especially when concerns are raised about national issues or personal safety.

Atiku argued that responding to dissent with insults instead of dialogue portrays weakness rather than confidence in governance.

He further maintained that opposition parties should not be treated as enemies of the state, stressing that Nigeria’s real challenges remain poverty, hunger, insecurity, corruption, kidnapping and the persistent loss of lives across the country.

He warned that any government more focused on attacking its critics than addressing these pressing national issues risks prioritising political survival over effective governance.