News, Politics

Fapohunda Warns Peter Obi to Prioritize Personal Security Amid Political Tensions

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 10th, 2026.

Political commentator Femi Fapohunda has urged presidential candidate Peter Obi to take personal security seriously, warning that in Nigeria, violent attacks against political figures often have limited consequences.

Fapohunda referenced past political assassinations, including that of Bola Ige, to highlight the persistent culture of impunity. “If Peter Obi were shot, what would happen? Nothing substantial,” he stated, emphasizing that investigations rarely result in accountability, resignations, or meaningful political change.

He criticized the current political climate in Edo State, likening it to a “village mentality” where power dictates actions. According to Fapohunda, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration operates under influences reminiscent of past political strongmen, such as Adedibu in Ibadan, allowing powerful actors to act with impunity. He pointed to the lack of routine security measures in high-profile areas, noting that convoys of vehicles move freely without intervention.

Fapohunda also dismissed claims by Edo State Information Commissioner Afegbua that incidents of this nature are mere intra-party disputes. “Some arguments insult the intelligence of the public,” he said, calling such views “pedestrian” and lacking validity.

He drew comparisons with the United States, highlighting the disparity in how governments value the lives of their citizens. “In America, the death of soldiers prompts national attention and honors. In Nigeria, if a political figure dies violently, there may be brief unrest, but life goes on,” he said.

Fapohunda concluded by advising Obi to prioritize his safety: “Peter Obi better protect himself and not just die in vain. In this country, power often shields perpetrators, and the consequences for violent acts are minimal.”