Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has warned that growing desperation among some political actors ahead of the 2027 general election could plunge Nigeria into unnecessary turmoil.

Speaking on With Chude, a podcast hosted by media personality Chude Jideonwo, the former Anambra State governor alleged that he has faced personal and political frustrations since declaring his intention to contest the presidency, claiming that some officials at federal and subnational levels have shown open hostility towards him.

Obi said the alleged attacks have gone beyond attempts to stop his political ambition and could even threaten his safety.

“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.

He, however, said he was not directly accusing anyone, but maintained that there were deliberate efforts to frustrate his activities.

“It’s not an accusation. I know. I get frustration every day. Because you do things that you think would be normal—it is not normal anymore. They won’t come directly and say, ‘Oh, we’re doing this,’ but you can see their hand in virtually everything,” he said.

Obi further alleged that opposition figures are being targeted, claiming he has been denied privileges ordinarily available to him as a former governor. He cited an incident at an airport where officials allegedly locked his vehicle while leaving others untouched and said some people now avoid publicly associating with him for fear of repercussions.

“I see people I know at the airport, and they will not greet me because they are scared of what might happen if they do,” he said.

The former governor also lamented growing divisions and hostility across ethnic and political lines.

“We have divided the country and bred hatred among ourselves. That’s why I keep saying I want to bring back unity where there’s division. I want to show love, compassion and care. Those values have disappeared,” Obi said.

Despite his concerns, Obi maintained that a better Nigeria remains possible and said his ambition is driven by a desire to restore unity and heal the country’s divisions.