A group of protesters led by The Natives on Wednesday appealed to Labor Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and his People's Democratic Party counterpart Atiku Abubakar not to leave the country after their February 25 poll defeat.
But in quick response, Atiku, through his Special Assistant for Communications, Phrank Shaibu, slammed the protesters and said he owed the group no explanation of the itinerary.
The group's call came barely a week later Obi was attacked over a leaked audio, in which he allegedly described the 2023 election as a religious war.
While Obi denied the allegation, he had tweeted via his official Twitter handle that he was under pressure to leave the country.
In response to Obi, the director for All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council new media Fani-Kayode had said on his Twitter handle that Obi was free to leave the country.
"Please do us all a huge favor and go!" The sooner the better and never come back!” Fani-Kayode wrote.
But Smart Edward, Convener of The Natives, addressed journalists during their peaceful protest in Abuja on Wednesday, urging Obi, Atiku and other dejected candidates not to to go into exile out of frustration.
While urging them to accept the results of the presidential election announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Smart announced that there is nowhere in the world where perfect elections are held.
He said: " We hear rumors that some presidential candidates from different parties are leaving the country. This is a hallmark of any politician who is just an opportunist.
We therefore call on our respected Labor Party candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, to please remain in the country as his talents, skills and contributions are needed to do so Country. As a patriot, he does not need to go into exile.
“We also hear that the PDP candidate, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, will soon be on his way back to Dubai. Regardless of whether he has left or is about to leave, we appeal to him to stay behind as his valuable contributions are needed in the country. We encourage them all to stay behind as President Muhammadu Buhari stayed behind because this is the process of contributing to the development of our democracy and Nigeria.
“For Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his party lost elections twice. But he won this by working well together and we ask everyone to work together for the growth of our beloved Nigeria and its democracy."
But when contacted, Shaibu lashed out at the group, saying, "Atiku owes the group his Travel not details. He decides when to travel or not. Instead of wasting their energies on frivolities, they should urge the man they said they elected to return to the country.
"The man they said elected was nowhere to be found . He's the man whose whereabouts should worry her. You should look for him and encourage him to return to the country.”