Nothing Must Happen to Obi, Release El-Rufai — Atiku Tells FG

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to guarantee the safety of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while also demanding the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Atiku made the call in a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, following Obi’s recent claims that the Federal Government was frustrating his means of livelihood and targeting opposition figures.

The former Vice President said the protection of opposition leaders is a constitutional responsibility of the government, warning that intimidation of political opponents poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

“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,” Atiku said.

He criticised the Presidency for responding to Obi’s remarks with what he described as personal attacks rather than reassuring Nigerians through responsible leadership.

According to Atiku, democratic governments should address criticism with facts, restraint and statesmanship instead of insults.

He stressed that opposition parties are not enemies of the country, insisting that poverty, hunger, insecurity, corruption and kidnapping remain Nigeria’s real challenges.

“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,” he said.

Atiku lamented the worsening security situation across the country, noting that many kidnapped schoolchildren, teachers and other victims remain in captivity while Nigerians continue to grapple with economic hardship.

He urged the Federal Government to channel the same level of urgency it applies to political disputes toward rescuing abducted citizens and restoring public confidence in national security.

The ADC presidential candidate also renewed his call for the release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, whose detention has continued to generate public attention.

According to him, every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, deserves due process, equal protection under the law and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.

Atiku further urged the government to address public concerns through transparency and accountability rather than political distractions, adding that history would judge leaders by how well they protect citizens, uphold justice and preserve democracy.