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 the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the protection of opposition leaders is a constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian state. His comments followed concerns raised by Obi over alleged threats to his life ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku warned that any harm to Peter Obi would undermine Nigeria’s democracy, insisting that intimidation of opposition figures weakens democratic institutions. He stated that the government should respond to concerns raised by opposition leaders with statesmanship and responsible conduct rather than insults.

The former vice president maintained that the real challenges confronting the country are poverty, hunger, insecurity, corruption and kidnapping, urging the government to focus on addressing those issues instead of attacking its critics.