The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has expressed concern over the recent arrests and continued detention of key leaders from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) – former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami SAN and former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement issued on Monday, he pointed out that the arrests of both politicians raise serious questions because the timing coincides with their expressed commitment towards ensuring that President Bola Tinubu is voted out come 2027 presidential election.
The former Anambra State Governor urged Tinubu government to put an end to the blatant persecution of political opponents under the guise of criminal prosecution.
While maintaining that the methods used in their apprehension contradict the principles of the rule of law, he said the integrity of the rule of law in Nigeria is non-negotiable; and that “its degradation undermines our economic development and threatens national stability.”
“Prosecutorial decisions must be grounded in concrete evidence and probable cause, transparently presented without ulterior motives. The undue denial of bail or unjustly stringent conditions imposed on bail leave little doubt that the government is wielding criminal prosecution as a weapon against its political opponents.
“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, straying dangerously close to a fishing expedition rather than a credible investigation,” the statement read.
Obi expressed the belief that Nigeria requires a civil and criminal justice system that instils confidence in every citizen—that no one should fear persecution for their political beliefs or actions disapproved by those in power.
He said the criminal trial process must adhere strictly to legal standards. “As we approach a critical election period, the government must cease its efforts to undermine political opponents under the pretence of battling corruption and wrongdoing,” he added.
“I wholeheartedly support the fight against corruption, and wrongdoing, but it must be conducted with integrity and transparency, starting with those currently in power rather than targeting opponents. A credible anti-corruption and anti-wrongdoing campaign cannot afford to be selective,” the ADC bigwig said.
