“I Might Not Be Alive to Contest in 2027” — Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has alleged that persistent intimidation and obstruction by the government could prevent him from participating in the next presidential race, saying he may not even be alive by then.

Speaking during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Obi claimed that the challenges he currently faces go beyond politics, describing what he called a pattern of harassment directed at him and other opposition figures.

According to the former Anambra State governor, the pressure being mounted against him has become so intense that his participation in the 2027 election is no longer something he can take for granted.

“I might not even be alive,” Obi said while responding to a question on whether he was certain of contesting the next presidential election. He alleged that virtually every aspect of his activities was being deliberately frustrated.

Although he stopped short of accusing any individual or institution directly, Obi maintained that the obstacles he encounters daily are far from ordinary.

He said the alleged intimidation extends beyond him personally, insisting that opposition politicians across the country are being subjected to similar treatment.

“They are attacking everybody who is in opposition,” he said, adding that even services and privileges he should ordinarily enjoy were allegedly being withheld.

Obi recounted an incident at an airport where, according to him, officials reportedly locked his vehicle despite several other cars being parked in the same location.

He claimed that when he identified himself, the official involved allegedly ignored his explanation, leaving him convinced that the action was deliberate.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate also alleged that many of his associates had become reluctant to be seen with him publicly for fear of attracting unwanted attention.

According to him, some acquaintances now avoid greeting him in public places, while others have reportedly pleaded with him not to attend family ceremonies to avoid possible repercussions.

Obi argued that these experiences reflect a broader atmosphere of political intimidation capable of discouraging democratic participation.

As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government had not issued any official response to the allegations made by the former presidential candidate during the interview.