The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi has claimed that he may not be alive to contest the poll, alleging that the Federal Government is systematically frustrating his activities and targeting opposition figures.
Obi made the remarks during an interview on With Chude, hosted by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, excerpts of which were shared on X on Wednesday.
Responding to a question on whether there was a possibility he might not emerge as a candidate in the 2027 presidential election, Peter Obi said his concern went beyond securing the party’s ticket.
“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,” Obi said.
He, however, clarified that he was not making direct accusations but described daily experiences of obstruction.
“It’s not an accusation. I know. I get frustration every day. Because you do things that you think would be normal—it is not normal anymore.
“They won’t come directly and say, ‘Oh, we’re doing this,’ but you can see their hand in virtually everything,” Obi said.
Obi further alleged that the treatment was not limited to him but extended to other opposition politicians.
“They are attacking everybody who is in opposition personally. I am being attacked personally. Everything. Even to provide me with necessary things that I should have been entitled to, not at all,” he said.
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Obi cited an incident at an airport where he claimed officials locked his car despite other vehicles being parked in the same area.
“I had a case recently at the airport, where people who work in the airport came and locked my car. And I said, ‘It’s me.’ The person in charge said he doesn’t care.
“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 further alleged that some associates had become reluctant to be seen with him publicly for fear of attracting official attention.
“And I see people I know at the airport; they do not greet me because they fear that if they do,” he said.
He added that some supporters had even advised him not to attend family ceremonies to avoid unwanted attention.
“And I have people send me invitations and say, ‘My son, my daughter is wedding, but please don’t come,’” he said.
Obi did not provide evidence to support his allegations during the interview, and the Federal Government had yet to respond to his claims as of the time of filing this report.
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