Need to Beef Up Security Around Peter Obi

Presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised serious concerns about his safety, stating he fears he may not survive to contest the 2027 general election. Obi alleges that President Bola Tinubu's government is actively frustrating his activities and targeting him and other opposition figures.

“

Not even a candidate. I might not even be alive. I’m telling you.

During an interview, Obi responded to a question about his potential participation in the 2027 election by saying, “I might not even be alive.” He elaborated that the government's actions create daily frustrations, making normal activities difficult and suggesting a deliberate, albeit indirect, effort to undermine him. "Every single thing I do for a living, this government is frustrating. Deliberately so," he stated.

Obi clarified that he was not making direct accusations against the government but indicated that its influence was palpable. He cited an incident at an airport where his car was allegedly locked by officials, despite other vehicles being present. "The person in charge said he didn’t care. But I said, ‘Look at the cars of other people,’" he recalled, illustrating the perceived targeting.

“

Every single thing I do for a living, this government is frustrating. Deliberately so. So, there is even a possibility that, if they have the opportunity, I will not be alive.

Reacting to Obi's statements, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, described the claims as "unfounded and misleading." Onanuga characterized Obi's fears about his life and alleged pressure on others not to invite him to events as a "fabricated narrative" and "a page from his book of lies and propaganda." Despite this dismissal, the article argues that the federal government should enhance security around Obi to ensure he can exercise his democratic rights.

“

His claim that he may not be alive for the January 2027 election and that people are being pressured not to invite him to social events is nothing more than a fabricated narrative, a page from his book of lies and propaganda.