The African Democratic Congress (ADC) 2027 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has warned the presidency that nothing must happen to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku emphasised : “Nothing must happen to Peter Obi. An injury to one is an injury to all. When one opposition leader is intimidated, every opposition voice is diminished. When one citizen begins to fear because of his political beliefs, democracy itself becomes the casualty.

“The Presidency must understand that democratic leadership demands composure, not contempt. When a citizen, particularly an opposition figure, voices concerns about the state of the nation or his personal safety, the first duty of government is to reassure through statesmanship, facts and responsible conduct—not through insults.

According to him, the true measure of any democracy is not how comfortably those in power wield authority, but how safely those outside power can exercise their constitutional rights.

…….Hints at Possible Withdrawal from 2027 Presidential Race

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party leader Peter Obi has sparked fresh speculation about his political future, declaring that he may not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape, Obi, who came third in the 2023 presidential poll, suggested that age and health concerns could prevent him from throwing his hat into the ring again.

“I might not be alive to contest,” Obi reportedly said during a recent interaction with supporters and journalists. The remark, though delivered calmly, has triggered intense reactions across social media and political circles, with many interpreting it as a hint that the 66-year-old politician might opt out of the next presidential race.

Obi, widely admired for his frugal lifestyle and emphasis on good governance, has remained a vocal critic of the current administration’s economic policies. He has continued to tour parts of the country, addressing issues ranging from insecurity to youth unemployment. However, he has not formally declared his intention to run in 2027.

Political analysts say the statement could be Obi’s way of managing expectations while keeping his options open. “This is classic Peter Obi — honest, reflective, and strategic,” said one political commentator. “He’s signaling that leadership is not about personal ambition but about the survival and progress of the nation.”

Supporters of the former governor expressed concern over the comment, with many urging him to prioritize his health while reaffirming their loyalty. Others see it as a call for younger leaders to step forward within the Labour Party or broader opposition movement.

As the 2027 election cycle begins to heat up, all eyes remain on Obi and other major political figures. Whether his latest remark signals a permanent exit from presidential contests or merely a moment of candour remains to be seen.

The Presidency and other leading political parties have yet to respond officially to Obi’s statement.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed a media report alleging that he was offered ₦500 billion to contest against Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in a bid to split South-South votes.

A statement issued by Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Media, Ikechukwu Eze, described the report as “entirely false and baseless.”

Eze urged Nigerians to disregard what he called a fabricated report that falsely attributed the claim to the former president.

According to him, the report failed to state where or when Jonathan allegedly made the statement, who was present, or who purportedly made the alleged offer.

He said that the publication bore “all the hallmarks of fake news deliberately crafted” to mislead the public and drag Jonathan into unnecessary political controversy.

Eze noted that election seasons are often characterised by a surge in misinformation and false attributions