A Threat Against Peter Obi Is a Threat Against All of Us” — Atiku Condemns Threats Against Obi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has spoken out in strong defence of Peter Obi, declaring that any threat against the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate is a threat against all Nigerians. His remarks follow a growing backlash over a recent warning issued by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who last week cautioned Obi against visiting the state without first obtaining security clearance.

“Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against all of us!” Atiku posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday.

The controversy emerged after Obi’s visit to Benin City on July 7, where he was warmly received at the School of Nursing Sciences, St. Philomena’s Hospital. During the visit, he donated ₦15 million towards the completion of infrastructure projects at the institution.

Governor Okpebholo later raised concerns over the visit, linking it to a recent uptick in insecurity in the state, particularly attacks targeting religious leaders. In a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor denied issuing any threats, but insisted that politically prominent individuals like Obi must obtain security clearance before conducting public engagements in the state.

Despite efforts by the governor’s office to clarify the intent of the remarks, the statement triggered widespread condemnation. The Labour Party caucus in the Senate, in a joint statement signed by Senators Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Ezea Okey, and Tony Nwoye, denounced the governor’s position as “executive rascality and an abuse of office.”

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) also called on the governor to retract his statement and issue a public apology.

Obi has not responded publicly to the controversy. However, he has remained active on national issues. Over the weekend, he called for swift intervention in the ongoing crisis affecting dental students at the University of Calabar, whose graduation and professional induction have been delayed due to quota-related disputes. “No student should suffer because of leadership failure,” he said.

Atiku’s statement comes just weeks after he, Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, David Mark, and Rotimi Amaechi announced a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.