Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of deploying anti-corruption agencies to persecute political opponents under the guise of criminal prosecution.
This is just as he warned that the development threatens national stability ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued on his social media handle on Monday, Obi expressed concern over the recent arrests and continued detention of key leaders of the African Democracy Congress (ADC)—former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN) and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai—describing the timing as deeply suspicious.
“The timing of their arrests—coinciding with their commitment to ensure the current administration is voted out in 2027—raises serious questions. The methods used in their apprehension contradict the principles of rule of law”, Obi said.
Obi took particular issue with the handling of El-Rufai’s case, noting that the former governor has been shuffled between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) in a manner that suggests a lack of clear evidence.
“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,” he stated.
The former presidential candidate argued that prosecutorial decisions must be grounded in concrete evidence and probable cause, presented transparently without ulterior motives. He also condemned what he described as “undue denial of bail or unjustly stringent conditions” imposed on opposition figures.
Warning that the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system is under threat, Obi linked the erosion of legal standards to broader economic and stability concerns.
“The integrity of the rule of law in Nigeria is non-negotiable; its degradation undermines our economic development and threatens national stability,” he said.
While reaffirming his support for genuine anti-corruption efforts, Obi insisted that the fight must be conducted with integrity and transparency, beginning with those currently in power rather than selectively targeting opponents.
“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,” he added.
Obi emphasized that the criminal trial process must adhere strictly to legal standards, particularly as the nation approaches a critical election period.
“The government must cease its efforts to undermine political opponents under the pretense of battling corruption and wrongdoing. A credible anti-corruption and anti-wrongdoing campaign cannot afford to be selective”, he said.
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