There are growing concerns about the safety of Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, following a series of incidents, threats and political confrontations that have raised questions about the risks he faces as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

The warning by Sam Amadi, who expressed growing concern about Obi’s safety, is particularly striking. In a post on X, Amadi urged those plotting evil against the NDC presidential candidate to desist, warning that it is better to lose an election than destroy the country.

He also called on security agencies to beef up protection around Obi, describing his safety as a national responsibility, given his position as a leading presidential candidate in the 2027 election.

The warning that those plotting evil against Obi should desist, and that it is better to lose an election than destroy the country, should be taken seriously. It is a message that goes beyond political loyalty. It speaks to the responsibility of a country that has witnessed the devastating consequences of political violence and should not allow another opposition figure to become a victim.

Funsho Williams
Obi himself has expressed fears about his safety. In July 2026, during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, the former Anambra State governor said he was no longer certain he would be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. He alleged that his activities were being deliberately frustrated and that people who associated with him were becoming afraid of possible consequences.

His remarks were not made in isolation. In February 2026, Obi and members of his entourage reportedly came under attack in Benin City, Edo State, during a visit to the area.

The incident was followed by an online assassination threat against him, prompting the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) to demand an investigation by the police and the Department of State Services.

The organisation warned that threats against a political figure should not be dismissed as ordinary political expression, particularly when they appear to encourage physical violence. It also called for an investigation into the ownership of the social media account responsible for the threat and possible connections with the reported attack in Edo State.

Another incident occurred in September 2026 when Obi’s convoy was blocked by youths along the Gboko-Makurdi road in Benue State while he was travelling to Yelwata to visit communities affected by violence.

Although the Benue State Government denied involvement and the identities and motives of those behind the blockade remained unresolved, the incident raised further questions about the safety of opposition politicians travelling across the country.

There was also the controversy in Edo State in July 2025, when Governor Monday on camera Okpebholo warned Obi against visiting the state without permission, citing concerns about his security.

Such developments raise an important question: how can a presidential candidate freely move around the country, meet voters and campaign if his safety is repeatedly becoming a subject of political controversy?

These incidents must be examined together, not as proof that a particular individual or government is plotting against Obi, but as developments that demand serious security attention.

A reported attack, an assassination threat, public expressions of fear and confrontations during political movements are not matters that should be casually dismissed.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the growing concerns is the painful memory of Funsho Williams, the former Lagos State governorship aspirant who was murdered at his residence in Ikoyi on July 27, 2006.

Williams was a prominent political figure whose governorship ambition placed him at the centre of Lagos politics. His murder shocked the country, and nearly two decades later, the circumstances surrounding his death remain a painful reminder of Nigeria’s unresolved history of political killings.

It is against this background that the warning that Obi must not become another Funsho Williams deserves attention.

The comparison is not to suggest that the circumstances surrounding both politicians are identical or that an attack on Obi is inevitable. It is a warning against allowing threats, hostility and political intimidation to develop into something irreversible.

Nigeria cannot afford another political assassination. It cannot afford a situation where a politician’s ambition to contest an election becomes a reason for anyone to contemplate taking his life.

The responsibility to protect Obi rests with the Nigerian state. The Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services must take the concerns seriously, assess the threats, investigate reported incidents and ensure that adequate security arrangements are put in place around him.

The Obedient Lawyers Forum has already approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling the relevant authorities to provide adequate security for Obi. The suit, filed in July 2026, reflects the level of concern among some of his supporters over the possibility of political violence ahead of the next election.

This should not be treated as an unnecessary political demand. A presidential candidate should not have to live under the fear that attending a public event, visiting a state or meeting supporters could expose him to danger.

Security must also not be determined by political affiliation. Obi’s position as an opposition candidate does not make his protection less important. The same government that provides security for its political leaders has a responsibility to ensure that opposition candidates can participate in the electoral process without intimidation.

It is better to prevent an attack than to begin investigations after a life has been lost. It is better for security agencies to take a credible warning seriously than to issue statements of regret after an avoidable tragedy.

“We Don’t Want Another Funsho Williams” — Lawyer Raises Alarm Over Peter Obi’s Safety, Demands Immediate Security Protection

Those who may be threatening Obi must understand that political disagreement is not a licence for violence.

The 2027 election must be decided by votes, not violence. No political ambition is worth the life of Peter Obi or any other Nigerian.

Nigeria has already lost Funsho Williams under circumstances that continue to trouble its democratic history. It must not allow another such tragedy.