Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Federal Government to ensure the safety of opposition leader Peter Obi, saying any threat to the former Anambra State governor would be a threat to Nigeria's democracy.
Atiku's statement followed recent remarks by Obi, who claimed during a television interview that he was facing intimidation and that his businesses and political activities were being targeted. Obi also said he feared he "might not even be alive" to contest the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said, "Nothing must happen to Peter Obi.
"An injury to one is an injury to all."
He added, "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 said protecting opposition figures is "a constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian state" and "the true test of any democracy."
He warned that political competition should never lead to intimidation or threats against opponents.
Atiku also called for the release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, saying democracy is weakened when opposition voices are silenced.
Obi's recent comments have sparked fresh debate over political tolerance and security ahead of the 2027 general elections. Although the Federal Government has not officially responded to Atiku's latest statement, the Presidency has repeatedly said it remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of political affilation.
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