Yemi Obafemi
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has alleged that he is being subjected to sustained political intimidation, claiming the pressure against him has become so intense that he cannot rule out the possibility of not being alive by the next presidential election.
Speaking during an interview on With Chude, the former Anambra State governor said the challenges he faces go beyond politics, alleging that routine activities are increasingly being obstructed.
According to Obi, the actions are deliberate, although he said they are rarely carried out openly.
“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,” he said.
Asked whether he believed he would be on the ballot in 2027, Obi replied that his concern was no longer just about contesting the election.
“Not even a candidate. I might not even be alive. I’m telling you,” he said.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate maintained that he was not making a direct accusation but insisted that there was a consistent pattern of interference in his activities.
“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 further alleged that members of the opposition were experiencing similar treatment, claiming that he had personally been denied certain privileges he was entitled to.
He recounted an incident at an airport where he said officials immobilised his vehicle while leaving others untouched, despite identifying himself.
“I had a case recently at the airport, where people who work in the airport came and locked my car. I said, ‘It’s me.’ The person in charge said he doesn’t care.”
According to Obi, the incident reflected what he described as a broader pattern of harassment directed at opposition figures.
He also claimed that some acquaintances now avoid greeting him in public because they fear they could become targets themselves.
“I see people I know at the airport; they will not greet me because they are fearing that if they greet me…”
