Ejiofor Urges Tinubu to Protect Peter Obi Ahead of 2027 Election

Human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor has called on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to take preventive measures to protect Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, ahead of the 2027 election.

Ejiofor made the call in a statement following Obi’s recent expression of concern about his safety during an interview on Arise TV. Reports of the interview say Obi questioned whether he would remain alive until the 2027 election.

Ejiofor said such concerns should prompt “vigilance, sober inquiry and preventive action,” rather than political dismissal.

He also cited the September obstruction of Obi’s convoy in Benue State, where police said they arrested 46 people allegedly linked to the incident.

The Benue State Government has denied involvement, while police said they had provided security for Obi’s visit.

Ejiofor urged the Federal Government, security agencies, political parties and state authorities to ensure that candidates can campaign peacefully, and voters can freely hear competing political positions.

“The political space belongs to the Nigerian people; it does not belong to any governor, political party or presidential candidate,” he said.

He also warned against inflammatory political rhetoric, ethnic incitement and any form of intimidation or obstruction, saying allegations should be properly investigated and the law applied without fear or favor.

Ejiofor said the issue should transcend partisan politics and focus on protecting Nigeria’s democratic process.

“The question is whether the Nigerian state can guarantee a political environment in which no candidate is prevented from reaching voters by intimidation, violence or unlawful obstruction,” he said.

He urged authorities to act before political tensions escalate, stressing that preventive measures are preferable to responding after violence occurs.

“Prevention is wiser than mourning,” Ejiofor said.

He called for a political environment where candidates can campaign, parties can organize peacefully and voters can make their choices without intimidation or violence.