Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has warned President Bola Tinubu’s administration against any harm coming to Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying the safety of opposition figures is a test of Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku issued the warning in a statement released on Thursday by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, following recent concerns raised by Obi over alleged threats to his life ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi’s comments have sparked public concern, with several Nigerians expressing condemnation over threats against political figures and calls for greater protection of democratic actors.
In the statement, Atiku said the Nigerian state has a constitutional responsibility to protect all citizens, including opposition leaders.
“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.
The former vice president urged the Presidency to respond to concerns raised by citizens and political opponents with accountability and statesmanship rather than criticism.
“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 stated.
He argued that democratic systems are strengthened through dialogue and engagement, adding that opposition voices should not be treated as threats to national unity.
“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,” he said.
Atiku further criticised what he described as excessive focus on political disagreements, warning that governments risk losing sight of their primary responsibility if they prioritise attacking critics over addressing national challenges.
The Executive Chairman of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mayor Dr. Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining development projects and improving the quality of life for residents.
