Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Presidency to ensure the safety of former Anambra State Governor and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, declaring that no harm should befall the opposition leader amid rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 general election.

Atiku made the remarks following Obi's recent claims that the current political climate had become increasingly hostile to opposition figures and that he feared for his safety.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the Federal Government has a constitutional duty to protect every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation. "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," Atiku said.

The former vice president argued that democracy thrives when citizens and political actors can freely express their views and participate in governance without fear of intimidation or persecution.

He also criticized what he described as persistent verbal attacks on Obi by officials of the Presidency, urging government spokespersons to engage critics through facts and policy debates rather than personal attacks.

According to Atiku, political opposition should not be treated as an enemy of the state, adding that differing opinions are essential to democratic governance.

He called on the Federal Government to concentrate on addressing Nigeria's pressing socio-economic and security challenges, including insecurity, kidnapping, unemployment, inflation, and the rising cost of living, instead of engaging in political disputes.

The statement comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition leaders raising concerns over the country's democratic space and the treatment of dissenting voices.

Peter Obi had earlier alleged that government actions were aimed at frustrating opposition figures and warned that the current political atmosphere posed serious risks to democratic participation.

The Presidency has consistently denied allegations of political persecution, maintaining that the administration remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all Nigerians and upholding democratic principles.