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The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has condemned what it described as a disturbing threat posted on X (formerly Twitter) against former presidential candidate Peter Obi, warning that such rhetoric could encourage political violence.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, made available to CrimeFacts, the organisation expressed concern over a post allegedly made by an X user identified as Engineer Tom Steve (@Stevetom788), which appeared to endorse violence and foreshadow possible attacks against Obi.
RULAAC quoted the post as saying: “Thank his stars he survived this one… I learnt he’s going to Rivers State… Na my men go handle that one and dem no dey miss target… Speak no peace to a bastard and wish him no long life, for he’s destined to die one.”
The advocacy group noted that the message surfaced shortly after reports of a shooting incident in Benin City, Edo State, during Obi’s recent visit to the state.
According to reports, the incident involved gunshots and damage to vehicles belonging to members of the Obidient Movement, with some accounts describing it as a “survived assassination attempt.”
RULAAC said the post’s reference to Obi having “survived this one,” alongside a forward-looking threat linked to a possible visit to Rivers State, raises serious security concerns.
“This suggests not only endorsement of political violence but also possible intent, encouragement, or coordination,” the organisation said.
RULAAC stressed that threats to life cannot be considered legitimate political speech, warning that incitement to violence is a criminal offence under Nigerian law and that online rhetoric advocating assassination can embolden real-world attackers.
“Nigeria’s democracy cannot function in an atmosphere where political actors are threatened with death for exercising their constitutional rights to movement, association, and participation,” the statement added.
The group called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services to immediately investigate the threat.
Specifically, RULAAC urged the agencies to determine the authenticity and ownership of the X account in question, investigate any possible links between the account holder and the reported attack in Edo State, assess the credibility of the alleged threat relating to Rivers State, and consider whether preventive security measures are necessary.
It also appealed to political leaders across party lines to publicly condemn assassination rhetoric and avoid language that could incite supporters.
RULAAC warned that Nigeria must decisively reject what it described as a growing culture of dehumanisation in political discourse.
“Words that portray opponents as people ‘destined to die’ are not mere insults — they are invitations to violence,” the organisation stated.
The group further cautioned that failure by authorities to act swiftly could signal tolerance for political terror, reaffirming its commitment to protecting life, democratic participation and the rule of law.
