The media office of Peter Obi has raised concerns over what it described as coordinated attempts to limit his public engagements and restrict his access to Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Peter Obi Media Reach alleged that there were “clandestine moves” aimed at preventing the former presidential candidate from speaking at public institutions across the country.
The group cited recent incidents, including the cancellation of a scheduled lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, as well as similar occurrences at University of Nigeria Nsukka and other institutions.
According to the statement signed by its spokesman, Ibragim Umar, the development reflects a growing pattern rather than isolated administrative decisions.
“This worrisome trend is not an isolated hiccup but part of a disturbing pattern seen multiple times in recent months, where platforms have been withdrawn at the last minute,” the statement said.
The media office argued that universities, traditionally regarded as centres for free thought and debate, were increasingly yielding to political pressure.
It stressed that institutions of higher learning should remain open spaces for the exchange of ideas, warning that restricting such engagements could undermine democratic values.
Quoting Obi, the statement noted that the repeated cancellations “point to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians.”
POMR further contrasted the situation with Obi’s reception abroad, stating that he had been welcomed to speak at leading global institutions such as Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and Yale, while facing restrictions within Nigeria.
The group called on university authorities and governing bodies to resist external interference and uphold academic freedom.
“A country that silences its thinkers and leaders within its institutions risks intellectual and social stagnation,” the statement added.
The media office reaffirmed its position in support of open dialogue, urging that the “force of argument” should prevail over any attempt to stifle dissenting voices.