The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the enforcement of his fundamental rights over alleged threats, intimidation and harassment ahead of his political activities across the country.
In an application filed before the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court on July 21, Obi asked the court to declare that he is entitled to the constitutional rights to life, dignity of the human person, personal liberty, freedom of movement, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and political participation as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.
The suit names the Officer in Charge of the Nigeria Police Force, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Governor of Edo State as respondents.
Obi is asking the court to declare that any threat, intimidation, harassment or attempt to prevent him from freely participating in political activities is unconstitutional and amounts to a violation of his fundamental rights.
He is also seeking an order restraining the respondents, their agents or privies from interfering with his lawful political engagements anywhere in Nigeria.
The former Anambra State governor further prayed the court to compel the respondents to provide adequate security for him during political activities and ensure that his constitutional rights are protected in line with the provisions of the Constitution and the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009.
According to the court documents, Obi contended that every Nigerian has the right to move freely, associate with others and participate in lawful political activities without fear of intimidation or victimisation.
He maintained that the respondents have a constitutional duty to protect those rights and prevent any action capable of undermining the country’s democratic process.
The application followed recent controversy surrounding alleged threats linked to Obi’s political engagements in Edo State, although the court filing itself seeks constitutional protection rather than damages. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
