Peter Obi Alleges State Harassment, Warns FG Will Be Held Responsible for Any Harm

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused the federal government of orchestrating a sustained campaign of harassment and intimidation against him. He issued a stern warning that the government will be held responsible for any harm that befalls him or his associates.

Obi's media office stated that recent actions by government institutions have escalated beyond normal political disagreements, constituting a deliberate effort to undermine his freedom, political activities, and business interests. The office criticized the Presidency's response to Obi's concerns as dismissive and uncultured, necessitating a public alarm to safeguard democracy from descending into authoritarianism.

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We raise this alarm not from fear, but as a duty to safeguard our democracy from descending into authoritarianism.

The statement detailed allegations of "engineered bureaucratic obstacles, invasive surveillance and hostility from state forces" targeting Obi. It also claimed that businesses and investments linked to him have faced pressure. The media office cautioned that such developments, whether intentional or coincidental, create a perception of a calculated campaign that could damage investor confidence and Nigeria's democratic image.

Adding to the concern, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), issued a direct warning to President Bola Tinubu. Abubakar emphasized that the safety of opposition leaders is a constitutional obligation and a test of Nigeria's democratic credentials. He stated that any harm to Obi would diminish all opposition voices and ultimately harm democracy itself.

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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.