The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has warned that nothing must happen to opposition leader Peter Obi, insisting that the safety of opposition figures is a constitutional obligation and a key test of Nigeria’s democracy.
The former vice president made the remarks in a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
Obi, the Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, in an interview on With Chude, excerpts of which were shared on X on Wednesday.claimed that he may not be alive to contest the poll, alleging that the federal government is systematically frustrating his activities and targeting opposition figures.
Responding to a question on whether there was a possibility he might not emerge as a candidate in the 2027 presidential election, the former Anambra State governor said his concern went beyond securing the party’s ticket.
“Not even a candidate. I might not even be alive. I’m telling you,” Obi said.
“Every single thing I do for a living, this government is frustrating it. Deliberately so. Everything. So, there is even a possibility, if they have the opportunity, I will not be alive.”
Reacting to the statement, Atiku said the strength of any democracy should be measured by how securely those outside
government can exercise their constitutional rights.
“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 said.
He criticised the Presidency for responding to Obi’s recent comments with what he described as personal insults rather than statesmanship.
“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.
“Democracies are strengthened by reasoned engagement, not by invective. A government that answers every criticism with abuse projects insecurity, not confidence.”
Atiku argued that no democratic government should regard criticism as sabotage or political competition as warfare.
“The opposition is not the enemy of Nigeria. Poverty is the enemy. Hunger is the enemy. Insecurity is the enemy. Corruption is the enemy. Kidnapping is the enemy. The daily bloodletting across our communities is the enemy.
“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 lamented the country’s worsening economic and security situation, noting that many families were still awaiting the return of relatives abducted by criminal gangs.
“There are schoolchildren and teachers still waiting to be reunited with their families. There are countless innocent Nigerians languishing in the camps of kidnappers. These are the emergencies that deserve the full machinery of government—not endless political sparring with opposition figures.”
The former vice president urged the federal government to channel the same urgency it applies to political communication into rescuing abducted Nigerians and restoring confidence in national security.
On the continued detention of El-Rufai, Atiku said justice must be administered fairly and in accordance with the Constitution.
“The continued detention of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has generated widespread public concern. Every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, is entitled to due process, equal protection under the law and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court. Justice must never create the appearance of selective application.”
He further called on the government to address public concerns surrounding its administration through transparency and accountability rather than political attacks.
“Public confidence is not restored through insults or propaganda. It is restored through openness, accountability and the courage to answer legitimate questions. Governments earn trust by confronting controversy with facts, strengthening institutions and demonstrating that no one is above scrutiny.”
Warning against what he described as excessive political confrontation, Atiku said history had never favoured governments that placed political battles above citizens’ welfare.
“Our elders say, “When the drums of injustice beat for your neighbour, do not dance, for tomorrow they may beat for you.’ Every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, has a stake in defending the democratic space.”
Atiku also renewed his demand for the immediate release of Nasir El-Rufai, while urging the Federal Government to prioritise tackling insecurity and rescuing Nigerians held captive by kidnappers over political disputes.
“Nothing must happen to Peter Obi. Release Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Bring home every abducted schoolchild, every teacher and every innocent Nigerian still languishing in the hands of kidnappers. Stop chasing political opponents and start confronting the crises that are bleeding our nation.
“History will not remember how fiercely a government fought its critics. It will remember whether it protected its citizens, upheld justice, rescued the vulnerable and preserved the democracy entrusted to its care.”
