2027: You are seeking cheap sympathy – Presidency blasts Peter Obi over alleged threat to life

The Presidency has strongly dismissed claims by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, that his life is under threat ahead of the 2027 general elections due to alleged persecution by the Federal Government.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Wednesday, described the allegations as lies and propaganda aimed at attracting undue public sympathy to cover up a growing credibility deficit.

DAILY POST reports that Obi, during a recent podcast interview, alleged that the Federal Government had been harassing him, frustrating his business interests, and pressuring associates to isolate him socially. The former Anambra State governor further suggested that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election if the attacks persist.

However, responding to the claims, Onanuga labeled Obi a “pathological and serial liar,” stating that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has neither the time nor the inclination to target the opposition figure or his business interests.

The presidential spokesman also rubbished Obi’s claim of official harassment regarding an incident with his vehicle at an airport. He pointed out that, based on Obi’s own account, the issue was clearly a breach of parking regulations rather than a state-sponsored attack against his person.

He further debunked allegations that the government was targeting Fidelity Bank Plc because of Obi’s substantial interest in the financial institution, noting that the bank continues to thrive under the current administration’s economic policies.

Onanuga maintained that the Tinubu-led government remains fully focused on consolidating its economic and governance reforms for the good of Nigerians and will not be distracted by self-serving narratives, fabricated stories, or unverifiable utterances from the opposition.