Nigerian media personality Rufai Oseni has said Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), must be protected “at all costs” ahead of the next election.
His comment followed a ruling by an Abuja Federal High Court, which approved the hearing of a suit seeking to compel President Bola Tinubu to provide maximum security for Obi.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Oseni said nothing must happen to the former Anambra State governor.
“Peter Obi must be protected at all costs, the unresolved circumstances surrounding the deaths of Bola Ige and Funsho Williams remain a painful reminder that we must never take the safety of our political leaders for granted,” he said.
“We must not hear any story of a mysterious accident or unexplained incident. He must be alive, safe, and present for the next election,” Oseni added.
The call for stronger protection comes after a February 2026 attack in Benin City, Edo State.
Armed hoodlums shot at Obi, African Democratic Congress (ADC) leader John Oyegun, and members of the Obidient Movement as they moved from the ADC secretariat to Oyegun’s residence. Both Obi and Oyegun escaped with their lives.
Oshiomhole Questions Obi’s Long‑Term Vision and Political Consistency
Meanwhile, Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole has dismissed Obi’s presidential ambition, saying the former governor lacks the long‑term outlook needed to lead Nigeria.
Oshiomhole, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the remarks during an interview on TVC on Monday.
“Peter Obi is a trader. Traders have short-term calculations, they are not into long-term projections. They are not wired to think about what the situation will be in the long run. Their turnover is within three months, maximum of six months,” he said.
The former Edo State governor also questioned Obi’s political consistency. He recalled Obi’s earlier declaration that he would remain in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in honour of the late Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
According to Oshiomhole, Obi abandoned that promise after completing his tenure as governor.
The exchange highlights growing tension around Obi’s 2027 bid, as allies demand tighter security and critics challenge his readiness for the presidency.
