- Former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi called on the Tinubu administration to end the persecution of political opponents disguised as criminal prosecutions
- He highlighted arrests and detentions of ADC leaders, including Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai, questioning the political motivations behind them
- Obi stressed that prosecutorial decisions must be transparent, evidence-based, and free from political influence to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and stability
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to halt what he described as the persecution of political opponents under the guise of criminal prosecution.
In a statement released on Monday, Obi warned that undermining the rule of law could endanger Nigeria’s democratic stability and hamper economic progress.
“The current administration must put an end to the blatant persecution of political opponents disguised as criminal prosecution,” Obi said, highlighting his concern over the arrest and continued detention of several leaders associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Obi noted that the timing of these arrests, following the accused individuals’ alleged commitment to work towards voting the current administration out in the 2027 general elections, raises serious questions about political motivation.
“The integrity of the rule of law in Nigeria is non-negotiable; its degradation undermines our economic development and threatens national stability,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor emphasised that prosecutorial decisions must be strictly based on credible evidence and probable cause, insisting that such processes should be transparent and free from political influence. “Prosecutorial decisions must be grounded in concrete evidence and probable cause, transparently presented without ulterior motives,” he added.
Obi also criticised what he described as excessively stringent bail conditions and the alleged denial of bail to the affected political figures, suggesting that criminal prosecution is being used as a political instrument rather than a legal process.
He expressed particular concern over the case of El-Rufai, citing his reported transfers between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), which, according to Obi, indicates a desperate search for charges.
“I firmly believe that Nigeria requires a civil and criminal justice system that instils confidence in every citizen, ensuring that no one fears persecution for their political beliefs or actions disapproved of by those in power,” Obi said.
While reiterating his support for anti-corruption efforts, Obi stressed that such campaigns must be conducted with integrity and transparency.
“I wholeheartedly support the fight against corruption and wrongdoing, but it must be carried out with integrity and transparency, starting with those currently in power rather than targeting opponents,” he concluded.