2027: Obi says his life is at risk, accuses Tinubu govt of intimidation

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of systematically targeting opposition figures and frustrating his personal and business activities, saying he fears for his safety ahead of next year’s presidential election.

Speaking in an interview with TV host Chude Jideonwo, Obi alleged that the federal government has deliberately made it difficult for him to carry out his daily activities and suggested his life could be at risk.

“The way they are going… not even as a candidate, I might not even be alive. I’m telling you,” Obi said. “Every single thing I do for a living, this government is frustrating it. Deliberately so. Everything.”

The former Anambra State governor, who emerged as one of President Tinubu’s strongest challengers in the 2023 election under the Labour Party before joining the opposition NDC, said he believes the administration is using state institutions to intimidate critics and weaken political opponents.

“So there’s even a possibility that, if they have an opportunity, I will not be alive,” he said.

Obi claimed he faces daily harassment and is routinely denied services and privileges to which he is entitled.

“They won’t come directly and say, ‘We’re doing this.’ But you could see their hands in virtually everything,” he said. “They’re attacking everybody who is in opposition — personally. I am being attacked personally.”

The allegations come as political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the NDC positioning itself as the main opposition platform to challenge Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Presidency had not responded to Obi’s claims at the time of publication.