Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the current administration to put an end to the persecution of political opponents disguised as criminal prosecution.
Obi made this call in a post on his verified X handle on Monday, saying that the integrity of the rule of law in Nigeria is non-negotiable; its degradation undermines our economic development and threatens national stability.
He described as worrisome the recent arrests and continued detention of key leaders from the African Democracy Congress, including Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation, and Malam Nasir El-Rufai, ex-governor of Kaduna State.
Obi argued that the timing of the arrests— coinciding with their commitment to ensuring the current administration is voted out in 2027 — raises serious questions.
He wrote, “The methods used in their apprehension contradict the principles of rule of law. 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.
“I firmly believe that Nigeria requires a civil and criminal justice system that instills confidence in every citizen—that no one should fear persecution for their political beliefs or actions disapproved by those in power.
“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 pretense of battling corruption, and wrong doing.
“I wholeheartedly support the fight against corruption, and wrong doing, 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 wrong doing campaign cannot afford to be selective.”
