Atiku Warns Tinubu: ‘Nothing Must Happen to Peter Obi’ Amid Rising Concerns Over Safety
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against any harm coming to Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, amid growing concerns over the opposition figure’s safety.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Atiku’s spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, a copy of which was obtained by PulseNets.
The development follows Peter Obi’s recent disclosure that he had received threats to his life during an interview ahead of the 2027 general election, a revelation that has sparked widespread reactions across the country.
PulseNets learnt that Obi’s comments have generated concern among many Nigerians, with several citizens condemning threats to the lives of political opponents and calling for the protection of all democratic actors regardless of political affiliation.
Reacting to the situation, Atiku stressed that safeguarding every opposition leader remains a constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian government and a critical measure of the country’s democratic integrity.
“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 further urged the Presidency to respond to criticism with maturity rather than hostility, insisting that democratic governance should be anchored on responsible engagement.
“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. Democracies are strengthened by reasoned engagement, not by invective. A government that answers every criticism with abuse projects insecurity, not confidence.
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“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 bloodletting across our communities is the enemy. A government that devotes more energy to attacking its critics than confronting these existential challenges has confused political survival with the purpose of governance.”
