Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has expressed fears that the desperation among some political actors for next year’s general election could plunge the country into needless chaos.

He regretted that he has been experiencing several personal and political frustrations ever since he announced his determination to be on the presidential ballot in 2027, stressing that some officials of different subnational and federal government have displayed open antiparty against him.

In a podcast hosted by Mr Chude Jideonwo, Obi lamented that on many occasions he was debarred from enjoying simple amenities that are available to regular citizens despite his status as a former governor.

While remarking that the attacks on him could degenerate to personal harm as the 2027 presidential election draws closer, the NDC presidential standard bearer lamented that he should become the target of daily campaign of calumny and state-sponsored frustration against his livelihood and personal freedom.

He rejected insinuations that he was rendering hard-to-prove allegation, noting that although the government of the day had avoided direct attack on him it was not hard to see that its hand is virtually in everything programmed to make life unbearable for him.

Obi maintained that things were gradually moving from ensuring that he does not feature on the ballot in 2027 to the extent of his possible elimination, remarking that there are chances that he may not be alive to contest in next year’s election.

His words: “I may not even be alive! I’m telling you. Every single thing I do for a living, this government is frustrating it. Deliberately; everything. So, there is even possibility if they have opportunity, I will not be alive.”

The NDC presidential candidate disclosed that he is suffering a subtle but serious social ostracism by his former acquaintances who fear that the government may move against them and their business interests, regretting that the climate of fear is deeply rooted to extent of inter-ethnic hatred.

He noted with dismay that electoral considerations in a democracy should be allowed to slide down the path of shrinking personal freedom, adding that the country has become deeply polarized and fearful.

“We have divided the country, bred hatred among us. That’s why I keep saying I want to bring back unity where there’s division. I want to show love, compassion, care. It’s gone out of here,” Obi asserted.

Nonetheless, the NDC presidential runner expressed the hope that the march to a new Nigeria remains possible, remarking that his main purpose for seeking public office is to assit in repairing the deep fissures in the country.