Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has opened up about what he describes as the personal and professional challenges of being an opposition figure in Nigeria, alleging that government actions have increasingly affected his daily life and activities.
Speaking during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo on *WithChude*, Obi claimed that he experiences constant frustration, which he believes is linked to his political stance.
“Every single thing I do for a living, the government is frustrating it. I get frustrations every day. They won’t come directly that they are doing this, but you will see their hands in majorly everything.”
According to Obi, he has personally encountered situations where he felt he was treated differently because of his political position.
“I have been attacked personally, even to provide me with things I should be entitled to.”
Recalling a recent experience at an airport, the former Anambra State governor alleged that airport officials locked his vehicle while allowing others to pass without similar treatment.
“I had a case at the airport recently where people who work at the airport came and locked my car. I said, ‘It’s me.’ The person said he doesn’t care. I looked at the cars of other people, and I could see them talking to each other as if, ‘Who is the one?’”
Obi also claimed that political divisions have created an atmosphere of fear, discouraging some people from publicly associating with him.
“We have divided the country, breeding hatred among ourselves.”
“I now see people I know at the airport; they will not greet me because they are scared that if they greet me, they will become a target of the government.”
He further alleged that some supporters have privately asked him not to attend their family events out of concern that his presence could attract unwanted attention.
“I now have people send me invitations and say, ‘My son or daughter is getting married, but don’t come.’”
Obi maintained that one of his key aspirations is to rebuild national unity, saying Nigeria needs greater compassion, tolerance, and inclusiveness regardless of political differences.
“I want to bring back unity where there’s division. I want to show love, compassion and care.”
The claims made during the interview reflect Peter Obi’s personal account of his experiences. There has been no official response from the Federal Government regarding the specific allegations he raised.