I may not be alive to contest, Peter Obi alleges systematic persecution

I may not be alive to contest, Peter Obi alleges systematic persecution

 

Former Peter Obi has expressed fears for his safety ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying he may not live long enough to contest the presidential race as he accused the government of systematically frustrating his businesses and targeting opposition figures.

Obi made the remarks during an interview on With Chude, hosted by media personality Chude Jideonwo, excerpts of which were shared on X on Wednesday.

Asked whether he would definitely be on the ballot in 2027, the former Anambra State governor responded that his participation was far from certain.

“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,” he said.

Although Obi stopped short of making a direct accusation against the government, he maintained that his businesses and daily activities are being deliberately obstructed, insisting that the pattern of events points to targeted harassment.

According to him, the alleged intimidation extends beyond his person, claiming that opposition figures across the country are facing similar treatment.

“They are attacking everybody who is in opposition personally,” he said, adding that he has also been denied benefits and privileges due to him.

To buttress his claim, Obi recounted an incident at an airport where, according to him, officials locked his vehicle while leaving other parked vehicles untouched. He said that even after identifying himself, the officer in charge ignored his complaint.

“But I said, ‘Look at the cars of other people.’ And you could see them talking to each other, as if, ‘Who is this one?'” he recalled.

Obi further claimed that the atmosphere of fear has become so pervasive that some of his associates now avoid being seen with him publicly, while others have asked him not to attend their family events to avoid possible repercussions.

“I have people send me invitations and say, ‘My son, my daughter is wedding, but please don’t come,'” he said.