The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted permission for a suit seeking to compel President Bola Tinubu to provide adequate security protection for the Nigerian Democratic Party (NDP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The suit, filed under reference number FHC/ABJ/CS/1648/2026, is asking the court to affirm that Obi is entitled to his constitutional rights to life and personal safety, including protection from fear, discrimination, assassination threats, intimidation, and any form of harassment, as guaranteed by Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
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The applicants are also seeking a declaration that Obi should not be subjected to politically motivated pressure, threats, harassment, assault, intimidation, or victimization by any arm of the Federal Government, government agencies, state authorities, individuals, or groups because of his political views, ethnicity, religion, or any other reason.
The suit referred to alleged comments made against Obi by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, which the plaintiffs described as a threat to the politician’s safety.
The court was urged to declare that the reported remarks by the Edo governor, suggesting that Obi’s security could not be guaranteed in the state and that he should obtain clearance before visiting Edo, were unlawful, undemocratic, and without legal backing.
The case was instituted by two lawyers, Okere Kingdom Nnamdi and Joseph Enemona Amen, alongside a non-governmental organisation, the Incorporated Trustees of Rights For All, which was listed as the third applicant.
Named as defendants in the suit are President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the State Security Service, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the matter.
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