Atiku to Tinubu: ‘Nothing Must Happen to Peter Obi’ as He Demands El-Rufai’s Release

Atiku to Tinubu: ‘Nothing Must Happen to Peter Obi’ as He Demands El-Rufai’s Release

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, insisting that the safety of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi must never be compromised.

Atiku also called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, stressing that every Nigerian—regardless of political affiliation—is entitled to due process, equal protection under the law, and the presumption of innocence.

The statement, released on Thursday in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, comes amid heightened political tensions following recent exchanges between the Presidency and opposition leaders.

‘Nothing Must Happen to Peter Obi’

Atiku described Peter Obi's safety as a constitutional obligation of the Nigerian government, warning that intimidation of opposition figures poses a direct threat to the nation's democracy.

> “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 argued that a healthy democracy is measured not by the power exercised by those in government, but by the protection guaranteed to those outside power.

Atiku Slams Presidency Over Response to Criticism

The former vice president criticised what he described as the Presidency's approach to opposition voices, saying governments should respond to criticism with facts, transparency and statesmanship rather than personal attacks.

According to him, criticism from opposition leaders should never be treated as hostility toward the state.

> “Democratic leadership demands composure, not contempt. When an opposition figure raises concerns about the country or personal safety, the first duty of government is reassurance through facts and responsible leadership—not insults.”

He added that governments project confidence through accountability, while attacking critics only creates the impression of insecurity.

‘Nigeria’s Real Enemies Are Poverty, Hunger and Insecurity’

Atiku accused the Federal Government of spending more time confronting political opponents than solving Nigeria's worsening economic and security crises.

He listed the country's biggest challenges as:

Poverty

Hunger

Insecurity

Corruption

Kidnapping

Violent attacks across communities

> “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 urged the Tinubu administration to focus on policies that improve citizens' lives instead of engaging in political battles.

Calls for Rescue of Kidnapped Nigerians

Atiku appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue Nigerians still being held captive by kidnappers, including schoolchildren, teachers and innocent civilians.

According to him, these national security emergencies deserve the government's full attention.

> “Bring home every abducted schoolchild, every teacher and every innocent Nigerian still languishing in the hands of kidnappers.”

Atiku Demands El-Rufai’s Immediate Release

The ADC presidential candidate also expressed concern over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that justice must never appear selective.

> “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.”

Calls for Transparency and Rule of Law

Atiku urged the Federal Government to rebuild public confidence through openness, accountability and respect for democratic institutions.

He warned that history would judge leaders not by how aggressively they confronted political opponents, but by how effectively they protected citizens, upheld justice and defended democracy.

Background

Atiku's statement comes after Peter Obi recently claimed in an interview that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election, alleging that his business interests were being targeted.

The remarks have fueled fresh political debates over democratic freedoms, opposition rights and political tolerance in Nigeria.

The Federal Government has repeatedly maintained that all its actions are guided by the rule of law, insisting that no individual is above the law regardless of political status or affiliation.

Why This Matters

With the 2027 general election drawing closer, political tensions continue to rise as opposition leaders demand stronger democratic protections, greater accountability and improved national security. Atiku's latest remarks are likely to intensify conversations about the state of Nigeria's democracy, governance and the rule of law.

>>>> What do you think about Atiku Abubakar's call for Peter Obi's protection and Nasir El-Rufai's release?

 >> Do you believe Nigeria's democracy is under pressure? 

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