Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government that nothing must happen to Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku issued the warning through a statement by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, on Thursday, following concerns raised by Obi over alleged threats to his life.
Obi’s warning has generated reactions from Nigerians, with many expressing concern over political-related threats and the safety of opposition figures in the country.
In the statement, Atiku said the protection of every opposition leader is a constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian state and a reflection of the country’s democratic values.
“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.
The former vice president also urged the Presidency to respond to criticism with maturity and statesmanship rather than attacks.
He said a democratic government should address concerns raised by citizens through facts, reassurance and responsible leadership.
“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,” Atiku stated.
He further argued that opposition leaders should not be treated as enemies of the country, stressing that Nigeria’s major challenges include poverty, hunger, insecurity, corruption and kidnapping.
“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,” he added.
Atiku cautioned that a government that focuses more on attacking critics than addressing national problems risks confusing political survival with the purpose of governance.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.