The Nigerian presidency has strongly reacted to Peter Obi's claim that he may not be alive by the 2027 election, dismissing it as baseless exaggeration and propaganda. Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 elections, made the remarks during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, monitored by Legit.ng. He accused the federal government of deliberately frustrating his means of livelihood and targeting opposition figures.
Obi's Fears and Allegations
Obi, a former Anambra state governor, alleged that the government was intentionally obstructing everything he does for a living. He said: "The way they are going… not even as 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's even a possibility that, if they have an opportunity, I will not be alive."
Presidency's Response
Reacting in a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday night, July 8, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga dismissed Obi's allegations, describing them as "new lies". Onanuga wrote, according to Vanguard: "As a pathological and serial liar, Mr Obi is intent on dragging the government into every personal inconvenience he encounters, often resorting to exaggeration and baseless allegations. His claim that he may not be alive for the January 2027 election and that people are being pressured not to invite him to social events is nothing more than a fabricated narrative, a page from his book of lies and propaganda. These claims lack substance and are designed to attract undue sympathy and deflect attention from his credibility deficit and the problems faced by his SPV and his adopted political association, the NDC."
Defense of Economic Reforms
Furthermore, the presidency defended the Tinubu administration, stating that Obi has a substantial interest in Fidelity Bank and that the financial institution continues to thrive. The statement added, according to The Cable: "The institution (Fidelity Bank) continues to thrive as a result of the current administration's robust economic reforms. The government is certainly not targeting the bank. Rather than being 'haunted' by the government, Mr Obi appears to be grappling with the consequences of his litany of unfounded statements."
Background of Political Tensions
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Obi called for President Tinubu's resignation in June over alleged governance failures and purported nationwide discontent. Following the IMF's purported revelation that expenditure amounting to two per cent of Nigeria's gross domestic product (GDP) was omitted from the budget process, Obi described the development as "horrible" and called on the president to step down.
