Nothing must happen to Obi, El-rufai – Atiku wans FG

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has challenged the Federal Government to guarantee the safety of opposition leaders, warning that intimidation of political rivals poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Atiku also renewed his call for the release of Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kauna state, saying every Nigerian is entitled to due process and equal protection under the law, irrespective of political affiliation.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, his senior special assistant on public communication, the former vice president said that concerns raised by Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra state, over his safety should have been met with reassurance from the government rather than hostile political responses.

“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,” Atiku said.

His remarks followed recent comments by Obi alleging that the current administration was frustrating his activities and targeting opposition politicians.

Atiku criticised what he described as the Presidency’s combative response, arguing that democratic governments should address public concerns with maturity and facts rather than personal attacks.

“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,” he stated.

He warned that responding to criticism with abuse projects weakness rather than confidence, adding that democracy thrives on constructive engagement.

The former vice president stressed that the country’s greatest challenges remain insecurity, poverty, corruption and economic hardship, not political opposition.

“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,” he said.

He lamented the continued captivity of kidnapped schoolchildren, teachers and other victims across the country, urging the government to channel the same energy devoted to political disputes into addressing the nation’s worsening security crisis.

Atiku also expressed concern over the continued detention of El-Rufai, insisting that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.

“The continued detention of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has generated widespread public concern. Every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, is entitled to due process, equal protection under the law and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court. Justice must never create the appearance of selective application,” he said.

Calling for greater accountability, Atiku said governments earn public trust through transparency and strong institutions rather than propaganda.

“Public confidence is not restored through insults or propaganda. It is restored through openness, accountability and the courage to answer legitimate questions. Governments earn trust by confronting controversy with facts, strengthening institutions and demonstrating that no one is above scrutiny,” he added.

The ADC presidential candidate concluded by urging the Federal Government to protect democratic freedoms, secure the release of abducted Nigerians and concentrate on resolving the country’s pressing socio-economic and security challenges.

“Release Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Bring home every abducted schoolchild, every teacher and every innocent Nigerian still languishing in the hands of kidnappers. Stop chasing political opponents and start confronting the crises that are bleeding our nation. History will remember whether a government protected its citizens, upheld justice and preserved the democracy entrusted to its care,” Atiku said.