Human rights lawyer and professor Chidi Odinkalu has urged the Federal Government to reassure the NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi of his safety by following an example set before the 2015 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on the Mic-On Podcast, Odinkalu reacted to Obi’s recent comment that, if the current situation in the country continues, he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Odinkalu said the government could take practical steps to ease concerns about Obi’s security. He recalled that after an attack on then-opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2015 elections, the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan reinforced Buhari’s security.
According to Odinkalu, Buhari received additional protection not only because he was a former Head of State but also because he was the leading opposition presidential candidate. He said the move helped ensure there were no further concerns about Buhari’s safety during the election period.
Odinkalu argued that the current administration should consider taking a similar approach by strengthening Obi’s security. He said such a step would send a clear message that no harm would be allowed to come to the former Anambra State governor because of his political activities.
In his words, “After there was an attack on President Buhari ahead of the 2015 elections, the Jonathan administration moved to reinforce protection for President Buhari, not just as a former Head of State, but as a politician……See More
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