Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that any threat against fellow opposition leader Peter Obi is a threat against every Nigerian.

Atiku made the declaration in an X post on Tuesday in apparent reaction to the face-off between the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo and Obi.

Okpebholo, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stirred controversy after warning that Obi must obtain security clearance before visiting Edo State, a statement critics described as a direct threat to Obi’s life and a dangerous precedent for democracy.

Speaking at a public event on Friday, July 18, the Edo governor said Obi’s recent visit to the state coincided with the resurgence of violence in the state.

However, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, explained in a press statement two days later that his principal’s remark was misrepresented, stressing that Okpebholo’s call was a security protocol and not hostility toward the opposition leader.

“It is imperative to state clearly that the governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr Obi, but rather emphasised the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the governor before embarking on any public engagements within the state.

“As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the governor’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors alike,” the governor’s aide said.

In Tuesday’s post, Atiku cautioned against threatening Obi or any opposition leader in any form.

He said, “Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against ALL of us!”

The sun