BY AHMED AKANBI
Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has raised concerns over the safety of opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 elections, calling on the Federal Government to ensure that nothing happens to Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Atiku, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for 2027, said the protection of opposition figures is a constitutional responsibility and a key indicator of the health of Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, he said a true democracy is measured by how safely those outside government can exercise their rights and voice their opinions.
The statement followed Obi’s alarm on Wednesday that opposition leaders were being harassed and that he feared he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku also commented on El-Rufai’s detention over corruption-related allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, criticising the Presidency for responding to Obi’s concerns with personal attacks instead of addressing the issues.
He said political disagreements should be handled with maturity and respect, warning that insults from those in power could worsen the country’s already tense political atmosphere.
“Nothing must happen to Obi. Any attack or intimidation against one opposition leader is a threat to democracy itself,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President said government’s duty is to reassure citizens and respond to concerns with facts and responsible leadership, not abuse.
He urged the Federal Government to focus on tackling poverty, hunger, insecurity, corruption and kidnapping instead of engaging in attacks on critics. He also called for more efforts to rescue Nigerians in captivity and restore public trust in the security system.
Atiku further demanded the immediate release of El-Rufai, insisting that every Nigerian deserves fair treatment under the law.
He said justice must be based on fairness, due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, warning that El-Rufai’s continued detention could create the impression of selective justice.
