Peter Obi says he may not be alive for 2027 election as Presidency hits back

Former Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi has said he is uncertain whether he will even be alive to participate in the 2027 general election, claiming he has faced sustained intimidation and obstruction that he believes is linked to his role in the opposition.

Obi made the remarks during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, where he was asked about his political future and the possibility of contesting the next presidential election. Rather than focusing on securing a party ticket, the former Anambra State governor said his immediate concern was whether he would be able to continue his political activities without interference.

According to Obi, many aspects of his daily life and public engagements have become increasingly difficult. While he stopped short of directly accusing the Federal Government of plotting against him, he alleged that a pattern of intimidation and obstruction had become apparent, affecting both him and other opposition politicians.

He cited what he described as an incident at an airport where officials allegedly immobilised his vehicle while leaving others untouched. Obi also claimed that some supporters had become reluctant to be seen with him publicly, alleging that invitations to family events had sometimes been withdrawn because organisers feared possible repercussions.

Obi argued that the challenges extended beyond himself, saying members of the opposition were increasingly experiencing pressure in carrying out routine political and public activities. However, he did not present evidence publicly to support his allegations during the interview.

The Presidency has strongly rejected the claims.

In a statement, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described Obi’s allegations as false and misleading, arguing that the opposition politician was attempting to portray personal inconveniences as government persecution. Onanuga also dismissed Obi’s suggestion that he might not be alive by the 2027 election, describing it as a fabricated narrative intended to generate public sympathy.

The presidential aide further insisted that neither the Federal Government nor President Bola Tinubu was targeting Obi or institutions associated with him, maintaining that the administration had no interest in frustrating his activities.

The exchange marks the latest escalation in the increasingly tense political atmosphere ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election, with opposition parties and the ruling administration continuing to clash over governance, political freedoms and the country’s democratic environment.