Peter Obi Alleges Government Targeting and Threat to Life

Presidential candidate Peter Obi claimed in an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo that the Nigerian government is deliberately frustrating his business activities and targeting opposition figures. Obi alleged a pattern of systematic obstruction, citing an incident where airport officials locked his car while ignoring other vehicles and claiming that acquaintances avoid him in public due to fear of government retribution. He stated that the pressure is so intense that he might not be alive to contest the January 2027 general election.

Obi also criticized President Bola Tinubu, asserting that the administration has exacerbated poverty—claiming the number of Nigerians in poverty rose from 87 million to 140 million—and that insecurity has worsened. He called for Tinubu to retire in 2027, arguing that the administration's renewed hope agenda is a failure.

The presidency and the All Progressives Congress dismissed these allegations as baseless. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, described Obi as a pathological liar and characterized his claims as a fabricated narrative designed to attract sympathy. Onanuga specifically noted that Obi's interests in Fidelity Bank continue to thrive, suggesting the government has no reason to target his business. APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru added that Obi's statements were born out of hallucination and suggested he undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

In response, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and other opposition groups condemned the government's treatment of Obi. The NDC warned that the Federal Government would be held responsible for any harm that comes to their candidate, accusing the administration of denying him the security protection afforded to other leaders.