Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to ensure the safety of opposition leader Peter Obi, saying every Nigerian has the constitutional right to participate in politics without fear or intimidation.
Atiku’s statement followed recent remarks by Obi expressing concerns about his personal safety and suggesting he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. Responding to the development, Atiku stressed that protecting opposition figures is a fundamental responsibility of the government in any democratic society.
According to the former vice president, democracy should be measured not only by how those in government exercise power but also by how safely political opponents can express their views and participate in the democratic process. He warned that any threat against an opposition leader weakens democratic institutions and undermines citizens’ confidence in the political system.
Atiku also urged the authorities to uphold the rule of law and guarantee the security of all political actors, regardless of party affiliation. He maintained that political differences should never translate into harassment, intimidation, or threats against individuals seeking public office.
