Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that nothing must happen to Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress. 

Atiku gave the warning in a statement by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, on Thursday. 

The warning may not be unconnected to Peter Obi’s recent alarm over threats to his life in an interview ahead of the 2027 presidential election. 

The alarm has since stirred concerns among Nigerians who condemned the threats to life over politics. 

However, in a terse statemnet, Atiku noted that the safety of every opposition leader is a constitutional obligation of the Nigerian state and a test of its democratic credentials.

“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.”

“The Presidency must understand that democratic leadership demands composure, not contempt. When a citizen, particularly an opposition figure, voices concerns about the state of the nation or his personal safety, the first duty of government is to reassure through statesmanship, facts and responsible conduct—not through insults. Democracies are strengthened by reasoned engagement, not by invective. A government that answers every criticism with abuse projects insecurity, not confidence.

“The opposition is not the enemy of Nigeria. Poverty is the enemy. Hunger is the enemy. Insecurity is the enemy. Corruption is the enemy. Kidnapping is the enemy. The daily bloodletting across our communities is the enemy. A government that devotes more energy to attacking its critics than confronting these existential challenges has confused political survival with the purpose of governance,” he stated. 

The governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP,  in Osun State, Olufemi Adesuyi, has called on security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at preventing further political violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Adesuyi made the appeal in a statement issued in Osogbo on Wednesday, where he expressed concern over the recent increase in violent incidents across the state and urged law enforcement authorities to act decisively against perpetrators.

He urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies operating in Osun to be proactive in maintaining law and order during the election period.

According to him, “those involved in violent acts should be arrested and prosecuted regardless of their political affiliations.”

The ZLP candidate said the growing trend of killings and politically linked violence posed a threat to public safety and democratic governance in the state.

He warned that allowing such incidents to continue unchecked could affect the credibility of the forthcoming governorship poll.

Adesuyi stated, “The trend of these killings, if left unchecked, will threaten the peace and democratic values in this state. That will definitely affect the credibility of the forthcoming August 15 gubernatorial election.”

He added that politics should remain a contest of ideas and service rather than a struggle that endangers lives.

“We must not allow desperation to turn our democracy into a bloodbath. The rate at which political violence is spreading in Osun is worrisome. No position, no matter how highly placed, is worth wasting human blood for,” he said.

The governorship hopeful also appealed to politicians across party lines to conduct their campaigns peacefully and place the interest of Osun State above partisan considerations.

He said, “politicians must understand that power is transient. You cannot achieve your ambition by shedding the blood of innocent people.

“Let us campaign with decorum, respect our opponents, and allow the people to decide freely.”

Calling for restraint before, during and after the election, Adesuyi stressed that political differences should not lead to hostility among residents.

“Election is not war. Let us conduct ourselves peacefully, responsibly, and with respect for one another before, during, and after the election. Political differences should never make us enemies,” he said.

He encouraged eligible voters not to be discouraged by security concerns but to participate actively in the electoral process, while also seeking support for his governorship ambition.

The appeal comes amid heightened concern over violent crimes in Osun State, which recently prompted a visit by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.