Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said he may not live to contest the 2027 presidential election, citing threats to his life and systematic frustration of his activities by the Federal Government. He made the remarks during an interview on With Chude, hosted by Chude Jideonwo, a clip of which was shared on X on Wednesday. Obi stated, "Not even a candidate. I might not even be alive. I'm telling you. Every single thing I do for a living, this government is frustrating it. Deliberately so. Everything. So, there is even a possibility, if they have the opportunity, I will not be alive."
In response, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Obi's claims as unfounded and lacking credible evidence. Onanuga described Obi as a "pathological and serial liar" who drags the government into personal inconveniences through exaggeration and baseless allegations. He specifically rejected claims about an incident involving Obi's vehicle at an airport and assertions of being targeted ahead of 2027. Onanuga said Obi's narrative was fabricated to attract sympathy and distract from his credibility issues and problems within his Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and the NDC.
The presidential spokesman also addressed claims about Fidelity Bank, where Obi holds a substantial interest, stating the government is not targeting the institution. He noted that the bank continues to thrive under the current administration's economic reforms. Onanuga emphasized that the Tinubu government remains focused on advancing economic reforms and improving welfare, with no time or interest in engaging with what he termed Obi's self-serving lies.
The same man the Presidency labels a serial liar was recently hosted by a top media personality for a high-profile interview, amplifying his claims without challenge. While Bayo Onanuga dismisses Peter Obi's safety concerns as propaganda, the government offered no investigation into the specific allegations of threats or vehicle tampering. Obi's assertion that the state is obstructing his livelihood stands in direct conflict with the official position that he is neither targeted nor relevant to governance. This clash leaves the public to weigh unfounded accusations against a flat denial, with no third-party verification presented.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
