Lawyer and social critic Ifeanyi Ejiofor has called on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to take preventive measures to protect Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Ejiofor’s call followed Obi’s recent expression of concern about his personal safety during a television interview, in which the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) said he was uncertain whether he would remain alive until the election.
In a statement, “ Nothing Must Happen to Peter Obi: President Tinubu Must Act Now; Protect Peter Obi, Protect the Democratic Space — Nigeria Must Not Wait for Tragedy Before It Acts,” Ejiofor said Obi’s concern should prompt vigilance and preventive action rather than be dismissed as campaign rhetoric.
He also cited reported incidents involving opposition politicians during political activities, including the recent disruption involving Obi’s convoy in Benue State.
Ejiofor noted that Obi and the Benue State Government had given different accounts of the incident, while the police confirmed that Obi’s visit was known and that security personnel were deployed for his protection.
He called for reported threats, inflammatory statements and alleged obstruction of opposition activities to be properly investigated.
“Politics is a contest for the consent of the people; it is not a licence to barricade the people from hearing the alternatives before them,” Ejiofor said.
He maintained that governors and political parties were free to support their preferred candidates but should not restrict citizens from hearing other political options.
“The political space belongs to the Nigerian people; it does not belong to any governor, political party or presidential candidate,” he said.
Ejiofor urged the Federal Government, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties and state authorities to provide conditions for presidential candidates to campaign peacefully.
He also raised concerns about ethnic rhetoric and inflammatory statements, calling for relevant authorities to establish the facts and enforce the law where necessary.
The lawyer urged Tinubu, as President and Commander-in-Chief, to ensure the protection of all political contestants and their democratic rights ahead of the 2027 election.
He warned that any incident involving Obi could have broader consequences for the political environment.
“If anything should happen to Peter Obi — God forbid — the consequences would extend far beyond the individual concerned,” he said.
Ejiofor said the 2027 contest should be determined through voting and the law, rather than intimidation, coercion or violence.
Discussion0