Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has again voiced concern over his personal security as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Anambra State governor said he could not guarantee that he would be alive when Nigerians head to the polls next year, citing what he described as petitions and investigations involving him in different parts of the country.
Obi made the remarks during an interview with Arise TV on Thursday, where he spoke about the political atmosphere ahead of the election and the importance of maintaining peace throughout the electoral process.
The NDC candidate said several petitions had been filed against him and that he had faced investigations in various places. He added that, given the circumstances, he was uncertain about what could happen to him before the election.
Obi did not disclose specific details about the petitions or investigations during the interview. His comments, however, reflected his stated concerns about his safety as preparations for the 2027 presidential contest gather momentum.
The former governor said he was placing his trust in God for protection amid the uncertainty.
He also appealed to political actors to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions or disrupting Nigeria’s democratic process.
Obi particularly called on state governors to ensure that political contestants are given adequate opportunity to campaign in their respective states.
While acknowledging that governors were free to support whichever presidential candidate they preferred, he argued that their political affiliations should not prevent rival candidates from accessing their states and interacting with voters.
He stressed that politicians should remember that political positions can change over time, with individuals who are currently in power potentially seeking support from people they oppose today.
The NDC flagbearer therefore urged politicians to promote tolerance and allow peaceful competition ahead of the election.
Obi also referred to his tenure as governor of Anambra State, saying his administration permitted members of opposition parties to conduct political activities in the state.
He recalled that some of those politicians campaigned against candidates he personally supported, but were nevertheless allowed to operate without being prevented from expressing their political views.
The former governor presented the experience as an example of the type of political tolerance he believes should be maintained across the country.
Obi has previously expressed similar concerns about his safety. In July, he said during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo that he feared he might not live to participate in the 2027 election. TheCable reported that he linked the concern to what he alleged was deliberate obstruction of his activities by the Federal Government.
At the time, Obi also alleged that government actions had affected his livelihood and targeted opposition figures. Those claims were presented as allegations, and the reports noted that they were not accompanied by evidence in the interview.
His latest comments have therefore renewed attention around his security concerns as political parties and their candidates prepare for the 2027 elections.
Beyond his personal concerns, Obi used the Arise TV interview to call for a political environment where candidates can campaign without intimidation and where competing parties can participate freely.
He maintained that peaceful political engagement would be necessary to protect Nigeria’s democratic process as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
