Peter Obi, the presidential hopeful of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, has raised concerns about his safety and claimed his businesses are being deliberately frustrated. He said he “might not even be alive” to contest the next presidential election.
Speaking in an interview on With Chude, hosted by media personality Chude Jideonwo and shared on X on Wednesday, Obi described what he called the growing pressure on opposition figures in Nigeria.
Asked if he would be on the ballot in 2027, Obi replied: “Not even a candidate. I might not even be alive. I’m telling you. Every single thing I do for a living, this government is frustrating it. Deliberately so. Everything. So, there is even a possibility, if they have the opportunity, I will not be alive.”
The former Anambra State governor said he was not making a formal direct accusation. However, he insisted his daily activities are being deliberately obstructed. According to him, authorities may avoid open confrontation, but their “hand” can be seen in the challenges he regularly faces.
Obi said the treatment goes beyond him, alleging a wider crackdown on opposition figures. “They are attacking everybody who is in opposition personally,” he stated, adding that he has also been denied benefits due to him.
He recalled a recent incident at an airport where officials allegedly locked his vehicle while leaving other parked cars untouched. Obi said that after identifying himself, the officer in charge brushed him aside.
“But I said, ‘Look at the cars of other people.’ And you could see them talking to each other, as if, ‘Who is this one?’” he said.
Obi further claimed that some people now avoid being seen with him because they fear possible consequences. He said some supporters have even asked him not to attend important family events.
“I have people send me invitations and say, ‘My son, my daughter is wedding, but please don’t come,’” he said.
