By Kasie Abone
Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to halt what he described as the persecution of political opponents under the guise of criminal prosecution.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Obi said the integrity of the rule of law in Nigeria must remain non-negotiable, warning that any attempt to weaken it could undermine the country’s economic development and threaten national stability.
The former governor of Anambra State expressed concern over the recent arrest and continued detention of two prominent ADC figures—former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.
Obi noted that the timing of their arrests, which came shortly after their commitment to work towards voting out the current administration in the 2027 elections, raises serious concerns about political motivation.
According to him, the circumstances surrounding their arrests and detention appear to contradict the principles of the rule of law, stressing that prosecutorial decisions should be based strictly on verifiable evidence and probable cause.
He also criticised what he described as the denial of bail or the imposition of excessively stringent bail conditions, saying such actions create the impression that the government is using criminal prosecution as a political weapon.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate expressed particular worry about the treatment of El-Rufai, alleging that the former governor’s repeated transfers among security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), suggest what he termed a desperate search for charges rather than a credible investigation.
Obi maintained that Nigeria needs a justice system that inspires confidence in citizens and guarantees that no individual would be persecuted for their political views or for actions that may be unpopular with those in power.
“As we approach a critical election period, the government must cease its efforts to undermine political opponents under the pretense of fighting corruption and wrongdoing,” he said.
While reaffirming his support for the fight against corruption, Obi stressed that such efforts must be conducted with integrity, transparency, and without selectivity, beginning with those currently in power rather than targeting political opponents.
He concluded by reiterating his campaign message that “a new Nigeria is possible.”
