By Yemi Oyeyemi, Abuja.
A group of lawyers under the aegis of the Obidient Lawyers Forum has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies to provide special protection for the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1648/2026, lists President Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as respondents.
The plaintiffs, represented by Barristers Okere Kingdom Nnamdi and Joseph Enemona Ameh, argued that the application became necessary to prevent Obi from becoming a victim of political violence or assassination before and during the 2027 electioneering process.
According to the lawyers, the suit was prompted by comments allegedly made by Governor Okpebholo suggesting that Obi’s life and security could not be guaranteed in Edo State if he entered the state without first obtaining approval from the governor.
In the originating application, the plaintiffs are asking the court to declare that Obi is constitutionally entitled to freedom of movement and should be allowed to travel, reside and conduct lawful political activities anywhere in Nigeria without intimidation, harassment or threats to his life.
They also seek a declaration affirming Obi’s right to life under Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution and an order restraining any government authority, individual or group from subjecting him to politically motivated coercion, intimidation, harassment or victimisation on account of his political beliefs, ethnicity, religion or any other reason.
The lawyers further requested the court to declare that Obi has the constitutional right to enter, reside in and freely move across all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to conduct political consultations, campaign rallies, meetings and other lawful activities without fear of intimidation or violence.
In addition, they asked the court to declare that the alleged statements attributed to Governor Okpebholo—that Obi’s safety could not be guaranteed in Edo State and that he should not enter the state without clearance—were unconstitutional, unlawful, anti-democratic and amounted to an abuse of executive authority.
The plaintiffs also urged the court to affirm that the President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has a constitutional obligation to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians and to direct security agencies to provide adequate protection for Obi and other presidential candidates.
They argued that the Police, DSS and other security agencies are legally empowered to safeguard the lives and property of citizens and should therefore be compelled to provide maximum security and intelligence coverage for Obi.
Among the reliefs sought is an order directing the President to instruct all relevant security agencies to provide comprehensive security protection for Obi and all other 2027 presidential candidates.
The suit also seeks an order compelling the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS and other relevant security agencies to immediately deploy adequate security personnel and intelligence resources for Obi’s protection.
In an affidavit supporting the suit, the plaintiffs stated that the action was brought on Obi’s behalf pursuant to Paragraph as baseless, unlawful and inconsistent with constitutional democracy, insisting that the security agencies have both constitutional and statutory responsibilities to protect the 3(e) of the Preamble to the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009.
They further referred to remarks allegedly made by Obi during a recent live podcast in which he reportedly said he “may not be alive to contest next year’s presidential election.”
According to the affidavit, Obi has been subjected to psychological trauma arising from repeated threats to his life, which the plaintiffs contend violate his constitutionally guaranteed rights.
The deponent maintained that no authority or government official has the constitutional power to restrict a Nigerian citizen from entering or leaving any part of the country to carry out lawful activities.
The affidavit further alleged that Governor Okpebholo warned Obi against entering Edo State without his permission and claimed that the former Anambra State governor’s security could not be guaranteed in the state.
The plaintiffs described the alleged remarks as baseless, unlawful and inconsistent with constitutional democracy, insisting that the security agencies have both constitutional and statutory responsibilities to protect the lives and property of all citizens.
They also argued that the fundamental rights guaranteed under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution are inalienable and cannot be curtailed except in accordance with the law.
No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the suit.