- Speculation that EFCC and DSS may target Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 elections has been rejected by his camp
- Yunusa Tanko insisted that Obi has never been indicted for corruption by either the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or the Department of State Service
- Reports alleging possible arrests of opposition figures within the African Democratic Congress have fuelled political debate, with some observers linking the developments to rising election tensions
Reports suggesting that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Department of State Service may launch surprise charges against Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general election have been dismissed by his camp.
Yunusa Tanko, former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, told The PUNCH that the speculation carried no basis for alarm.
He stressed that the Labour Party presidential candidate had never been indicted for corruption by either the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or the Department of State Service, insisting that Obi “has no criminal record.”
Tanko made the clarification following reports alleging that Obi and other opposition figures within the African Democratic Congress could face arrest amid claims of political persecution, including the alleged travails of former governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Other names mentioned as being under possible scrutiny included former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Rotimi Amaechi.
However, Tanko maintained that neither Obi nor his supporters would be intimidated.
He stated, “Long ago, it has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Peter Obi would be as clean as a whistle and that has already been established by Nigerians and even the security apparatus.
“So, we have been preparing ourselves for the extra measures that this government will take, because we know that this government will stop at nothing to manipulate, intimidate, coerce and harass any of their opposition to establish their grip on Nigeria. This we have already established.
“So, we are ready, and we are waiting because if they decide to go that route, they will have to answer to the Nigerian people. That’s the best I can say.
“But we know that they will try to intimidate anything or anyone they can. That’s what they will do. So, we are ready. We’ll be waiting.”
When questioned on whether he believed the alleged persecution of opposition figures was linked to the 2027 elections, Tanko replied, “Yes, of course. It’s about the 2027 elections and nothing more. So, as I said earlier, we are prepared to wait for them to take whatever particular decision that they want to take.”
He also alleged that moves to influence the political process had already begun: “Already the rigging has started. What are you talking about? From the laws that they’ve approved, they are trying to legitimise their criminality. That’s what they are trying to do.
“How do you legitimise? You coerce, intimidate and take over the National Assembly by manipulating people and intimidating them.
“So, all these are geared towards legitimising this so-called rigging that has already started. It is now left for the populace to say no to this rigging machine that is already meted out to us as a people.
“Dominating the nation and working against the interest of the people would not be acceptable to true democrats in Nigeria.”
The controversy emerges amid growing political tensions and ongoing investigations involving opposition figures.
Former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami was previously arrested and charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, though he remains in custody of the Department of State Service after being granted bail.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai faces charges over claims that the phone of the National Security Adviser was bugged and is under investigation by both the anti-graft commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Opposition leaders argue that the legal actions could weaken their political structures ahead of the 2027 polls, with debates continuing over whether such prosecutions represent genuine accountability or political manoeuvring.