Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against any harm befalling Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, amid growing concerns over the latter’s safety.
Atiku issued the warning in a statement released on Thursday by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu.
His reaction followed recent comments by Obi, who raised concerns about alleged threats to his life during an interview ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi’s remarks have sparked widespread concern among Nigerians, with many condemning threats against political opponents and calling for the protection of all democratic actors.
Reacting, Atiku said it was the constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian government to guarantee the safety of every citizen, including opposition leaders.
“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 also urged the Presidency to respond to criticism with restraint and statesmanship rather than attacks.
“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.
“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 said.
