Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has warned the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure the safety of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, following concerns raised over the opposition figure’s security.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the protection of opposition leaders is a constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian state and a key measure of its democratic commitment.
“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.
Atiku also renewed his call for the release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, stressing that democracy is judged by how governments protect the rights of those outside power.
According to him, history has never been favourable to governments that prioritise political battles over the welfare and security of citizens.
Quoting a traditional proverb, he said: “When the drums of injustice beat for your neighbour, do not dance, for tomorrow they may beat for you.”
He urged the government to focus on addressing insecurity rather than targeting political opponents.
“Nothing must happen to Peter Obi. Release Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Bring home every abducted schoolchild, every teacher and every innocent Nigerian still languishing in the hands of kidnappers. Stop chasing political opponents and start confronting the crises that are bleeding our nation,” Atiku said.
The former vice president expressed concern over what he described as the Presidency’s response to Obi’s recent public comments through personal attacks and derogatory remarks instead of providing reassurance.
He warned that resorting to name-calling undermines the dignity of the Presidency and could further heighten political tensions.
“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,” he stated.
Atiku argued that opposition parties should not be viewed as enemies of the state, insisting that Nigeria’s real challenges remain poverty, hunger, insecurity, corruption and kidnapping.
On El-Rufai, Atiku maintained that every Nigerian deserves due process and equal protection under the law, warning against any perception of selective justice.
“The continued detention of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has generated widespread public concern. Every Nigerian, irrespective 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 said.
His remarks follow recent comments by Peter Obi during an interview in which the former Labour Party presidential candidate said he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election, raising concerns among his supporters and political observers.
