They Don’t Want Me On Ballot – NDC Presidential Candidate Peter Obi Alleges Systematic Intimidation

July 8 () — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has alleged that he is being subjected to systematic intimidation and deliberate frustration by the Federal Government, warning that he may not even be alive to contest the next presidential election.

Obi made the remarks during an interview hosted by media personality Chude Jideonwo, excerpts of which were shared on X on Wednesday. The former Anambra State governor also cautioned against the growing obsession with the 2027 elections, insisting that Nigeria’s worsening economic and security challenges deserve the government’s immediate attention.

Responding to a question on whether he would be on the ballot in 2027, Obi said the uncertainty of life made it impossible for anyone to make such guarantees.

“Not even 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 is even a possibility, if they have the opportunity, I will not be alive”, he said.

While clarifying that he was not making a direct accusation against any individual, Obi maintained that virtually every aspect of his business and public engagements was being deliberately obstructed.

According to him, government officials rarely confront him openly but allegedly employ indirect means to frustrate his activities, making everyday engagements unnecessarily difficult.

Obi further alleged that the intimidation extends beyond him, claiming that opposition politicians across the country are facing similar treatment.

“They are attacking everybody who is in opposition personally”, he alleged, adding that he has also been denied benefits and courtesies ordinarily extended to him.

To buttress his claims, Obi recounted an incident at an airport where officials allegedly immobilised his vehicle while allowing other motorists to leave unhindered.

According to him, when he questioned the action and identified himself, the officer in charge dismissed his complaint despite other vehicles in the area being left untouched.

“But I said, ‘Look at the cars of other people.’ And you could see them talking to each other, as if, ‘Who is this one?’” he recalled.

The former governor also claimed that some friends and supporters have become reluctant to be publicly associated with him for fear of possible reprisals.

“I have people send me invitations and say, ‘My son, my daughter is getting married, but please don’t come,’” he said, suggesting that some Nigerians fear consequences for maintaining visible ties with him.

Obi also criticised what he described as the premature focus on the 2027 elections, arguing that political leaders should devote their energy to solving Nigeria’s pressing problems rather than engaging in early electioneering.

He maintained that leadership should be measured by its impact on citizens’ lives through improved governance, economic stability, job creation and enhanced security, rather than by political manoeuvring.

According to Obi, no one can predict what the future holds, making it imperative for elected leaders to concentrate on delivering tangible results today instead of becoming preoccupied with future electoral contests.