The Presidency has dismissed claims by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, that the Federal Government is targeting him and frustrating his activities, describing the allegations as false and misleading.

Tribune Online reports that Obi had raised concerns about his safety and political future during an interview on With Chude, hosted by media personality Chude Jideonwo, saying he could not be certain he would still be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election.

A clip from the interview was posted on Jideonwo’s X handle on Wednesday.

Speaking on whether he would take part in the 2027 presidential race, the former Anambra State governor said the pressure and challenges around him had become overwhelming, adding that he feared for his life.

“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.

But reacting to the allegation, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Obi’s remarks, including his claim about an incident involving his vehicle at an airport and fears over his safety ahead of the 2027 election, had no basis.

Onanuga accused Obi of repeatedly making baseless allegations and attempting to draw the Federal Government into personal matters.

He said: “As a pathological and serial liar, Mr Obi is intent on dragging the government into every personal inconvenience he encounters, often resorting to exaggeration and baseless allegations.

“His claim that he may not be alive for the January 2027 election and that people are being pressured not to invite him to social events is nothing more than a fabricated narrative, a page from his book of lies and propaganda.

“These claims lack substance and are designed to attract undue sympathy and deflect attention from his credibility deficit and the problems faced by his SPV and his adopted political association, the NDC.”

The presidential spokesman also denied any move by the Federal Government to target Fidelity Bank, where Obi is said to have a substantial interest, saying the bank remains stable under the current administration’s economic policies.

He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was focused on pursuing reforms aimed at improving the economy and the welfare of Nigerians, not political distractions.

He added: “It is important to note that Mr Obi has a substantial interest in Fidelity Bank. The institution continues to thrive as a result of the current administration’s robust economic reforms.

“The government is certainly not targeting the bank. Rather than being “haunted” by the government, Mr Obi appears to be grappling with the consequences of his litany of unfounded statements.

“The Tinubu government remains fully focused on consolidating its historic and beneficial reforms for the good of all Nigerians. It has neither the time nor the inclination to be distracted by Mr Obi’s self-serving narratives and lies or by his candidacy, as he constantly diminishes himself with specious, unverifiable utterances.” (TRIBUNE)