Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the safety of Peter Obi, following the opposition figure’s recent claims of threats to his life.
Atiku made the appeal in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, amid growing public concern over Obi’s remarks in a recent interview ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi had reportedly raised concerns about his personal safety, a development that has sparked widespread reactions from Nigerians, with many condemning threats or intimidation linked to political activities.
Reacting to the development, Atiku said the protection of opposition leaders is a constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian state and an important measure of the country’s democratic maturity.
“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,” the statement read.
The former vice president also urged the Presidency to respond to concerns raised by opposition figures with restraint and responsible leadership rather than hostile rhetoric.
According to him, democratic governance requires engagement through facts, dialogue and statesmanship, especially when citizens express concerns about national issues or personal security.
“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,” Atiku said.
He added that democracies are strengthened through reasoned engagement rather than personal attacks, arguing that governments which respond to criticism with abuse risk projecting insecurity instead of confidence.
The statement comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and political stakeholders increasingly calling for tolerance, peaceful engagement and the protection of democratic rights.