Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu's administration to ensure the safety of Labour Party leader Peter Obi while also demanding the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. 


He said the government should focus on tackling insecurity and protecting citizens instead of engaging in political disputes.

The call was made on Thursday in a statement issued by Atiku's Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

Atiku said the strength of any democracy is measured by how well it protects those outside government, adding that opposition leaders should be able to express their views without fear. 

He maintained that the safety of Obi and other political figures is the responsibility of the Nigerian government and a test of the country's democratic values.

His remarks followed Obi's recent statement that he might not be alive to participate in the 2027 presidential election. Atiku expressed concern over the Presidency's response to Obi's comments, saying it should have provided reassurance instead of engaging in personal attacks.

According to Atiku, political criticism should not be treated as an act of hostility. 

He said governments are expected to respond to concerns with maturity and facts rather than insults, warning that such exchanges could further increase political tension in the country.

He also urged the Federal Government to give greater attention to issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, including poverty, hunger, corruption, insecurity and kidnapping. 

He said these problems remain the country's real challenges and deserve more attention than disagreements with opposition politicians.

Atiku noted that many families are still waiting for the return of relatives abducted by criminal groups, including schoolchildren, teachers and other innocent Nigerians. 

He urged the government to commit more resources to rescuing victims and improving public safety.

The former vice president also renewed his appeal for the release of El-Rufai, saying every Nigerian is entitled to fair treatment under the law regardless of political affiliation. 

He argued that justice must be applied fairly and should not create the impression of selective enforcement.

Atiku further advised the Federal Government to address public concerns through transparency and accountability rather than political exchanges. He said public trust can only be strengthened when governments respond to legitimate questions, uphold democratic principles and allow institutions to function fairly.