Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has asked President Bola Tinubu to end what he described as the persecution of political opponents disguised as criminal prosecution.
In a post on X on Monday, the former Anambra governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) warned that undermining the rule of law could harm Nigeria’s economic development and threaten national stability.
Concern Over Arrest of El-Rufai, Malami
Obi criticised the arrest and continued detention of Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, and Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation.
He said the circumstances surrounding their arrest raise serious questions about due process.
“The current administration must put an end to the blatant persecution of political opponents disguised as criminal prosecution,” Obi wrote.
“The integrity of the rule of law in Nigeria is non-negotiable. Its degradation undermines our economic development and threatens national stability.”
Obi also questioned the timing of the arrests. He said they came shortly after both politicians pledged support for efforts to unseat the current administration in the 2027 election.
He criticised what he described as the denial of bail or the imposition of strict bail conditions.
According to him, such actions suggest the government is using criminal prosecution against political opponents.
‘Repeated Transfers Raise Questions’
Obi said the handling of el-Rufai’s case is particularly troubling.
He noted that authorities have moved the former governor between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to Obi, the transfers suggest investigators are searching for charges to justify the detention.
“The situation surrounding Malam El-Rufai is particularly concerning. His repeated transfers between the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS suggest a desperate search for any charge that might stick,” he said.
Call for Fair Justice System
Obi said Nigeria needs a justice system that inspires public confidence.
He warned that citizens should not face persecution because of their political beliefs.
“I firmly believe that Nigeria requires a civil and criminal justice system that instils confidence in every citizen,” he said.
Obi added that he supports the fight against corruption but warned that the campaign must remain transparent and impartial.
“I wholeheartedly support the fight against corruption and wrongdoing, but it must be conducted with integrity and transparency,” he said.
“A credible anti-corruption campaign cannot afford to be selective.”
