Nigerian political commentator SKC Ogbonnia has written an open letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, alleging that Nigeria’s Federal Government bears responsibility for what he describes as an assassination attempt on opposition leader Peter Obi. Ogbonnia argued that the incident reflects a dangerous trend of intimidation against political opponents and urged international attention to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
His claims have sparked intense debate. Supporters of Obi see the letter as a bold move to highlight the risks faced by opposition figures, pointing to what they believe is a climate of hostility toward dissenting voices. Critics, however, question the credibility of the allegations, warning that linking the government directly to the attack without evidence risks inflaming tensions and politicizing security concerns.
Public reactions have been divided. On Nigerian social media, many expressed outrage and demanded accountability, while others dismissed the letter as opportunistic or exaggerated. Some commentators noted that invoking Trump’s name was a calculated attempt to amplify the issue globally, though opinions differ on whether this strengthens or undermines the seriousness of the claims.
International observers have taken note, with analysts suggesting the episode underscores the fragility of Nigeria’s political environment. For many, the controversy is less about the letter itself and more about what it reveals: growing public anxiety over the safety of opposition leaders and the credibility of democratic institutions.
At its core, Ogbonnia’s appeal reflects a broader struggle between political rivalry and the need for trust in governance. Whether his accusations gain traction or not, the debate has already drawn fresh attention to Nigeria’s democracy and the challenges of protecting those who stand in opposition.
