Peter Obi alleges political persecution in Nigeria, citing the arrests of Nasir El-Rufai and Abubakar Malami, and urges the government to uphold rule of law
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on the current administration to end what he described as the persecution of political opponents under the guise of criminal prosecution.
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In a post on his verified X handle on Monday, Obi stressed that the integrity of the rule of law in Nigeria is non-negotiable, warning that its erosion could harm economic development and threaten national stability.
Obi expressed concern over the recent arrests and continued detention of key leaders linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including:
- Abubakar Malami
- Nasir El-Rufai
According to him, the timing of their arrests—coming shortly after their political commitment to ensure the current administration is voted out in 2027—raises serious questions.
Obi argued that the methods used in apprehending the political figures contradict established legal principles.
He maintained that prosecutorial decisions should be based on concrete evidence and probable cause, presented transparently and without political motives.
He further claimed that stringent bail conditions and delays in granting bail indicate that criminal prosecution is being used as a political weapon against opposition figures.
Obi specifically highlighted the situation involving El-Rufai, alleging that the former Kaduna governor has been moved repeatedly between security agencies, including:
- Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
- Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission
- Department of State Services
He described the development as a “fishing expedition rather than a credible investigation.”
Obi reiterated his support for the fight against corruption but insisted it must be transparent, fair, and non-selective.
He urged authorities to ensure that anti-corruption campaigns begin with those in power rather than focusing primarily on political opponents.
Also read: Amaechi Claims Tinubu, APC in Panic Over 2027 Elections
“A credible anti-corruption campaign cannot afford to be selective,” Obi stated.
