The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has cautioned that no harm must come to opposition leader Peter Obi, stressing that safeguarding opposition figures is both a constitutional duty and a critical measure of Nigeria’s democratic health.
The former vice president made this known in a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
Obi had earlier, during an interview on With Chude—clips of which circulated on X on Wednesday—expressed fears about his safety ahead of the 2027 general election. The former Anambra State governor alleged that the federal government was deliberately frustrating his activities and targeting opposition figures, raising concerns that he might not even live to contest the election.
Responding to a question about the possibility of not emerging as a candidate, Obi said his fears went beyond securing his party’s ticket.
“Not even a candidate. I might not even be alive. I’m telling you,” he 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 these remarks, Atiku stated that the strength of any democracy should be judged by how freely and safely 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 concerns with what he described as personal attacks rather than statesmanship.
“The Presidency must understand that democratic leadership demands composure, not contempt. When a citizen—particularly an opposition figure—raises concerns about the state of the nation or personal safety, the first duty of government is to reassure through statesmanship, facts and responsible conduct, not insults.
“Democracies are strengthened by reasoned engagement, not invective. A government that responds to criticism with abuse projects insecurity, not confidence.”
Atiku further argued that no democratic government should view criticism as sabotage or treat 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 bloodshed across our communities is the enemy.
“A government that devotes more energy to attacking critics than confronting these existential challenges has confused political survival with the purpose of governance.”
He lamented the country’s worsening economic and security conditions, noting that many families are still waiting for the return of loved ones abducted by criminal gangs.
“There are schoolchildren and teachers still waiting to be reunited with their families. Countless innocent Nigerians remain 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 Nasir El-Rufai, Atiku stressed that 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, regardless 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 also called on the government to address public concerns 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 excessive political confrontation, Atiku noted that history has never favoured governments that prioritise political battles over 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.”
He concluded by renewing his call for the immediate release of Nasir El-Rufai and urging the federal government to prioritise national security 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 in the hands of kidnappers. Stop chasing political opponents and start confronting the crises 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.”