Former presidential candidate and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Peter Obi has raised concerns over the ongoing detention of former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, accusing the Tinubu administration of using criminal prosecutions as a political tool against opposition figures.
Obi issued the statement on Monday via X, urging the federal government to end what he described as the persecution of political opponents under the guise of legal proceedings
“The current administration must put an end to the blatant persecution of political opponents disguised as criminal prosecution. The integrity of the rule of law in Nigeria is non-negotiable; its degradation undermines our economic development and threatens national stability,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor highlighted the timing of the detentions, noting that both El-Rufai and Malami had publicly committed to ensuring the current administration is voted out in the 2027 elections. According to Obi, this timing raises questions about the motivations behind their prosecution.
He also criticized the conditions under which the two men were held, arguing that the denial of bail or imposition of overly stringent bail terms further underscores a pattern of political persecution.
“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,” Obi stated.
Obi was particularly critical of the handling of El-Rufai’s case, describing his repeated transfers between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) as a legally questionable approach bordering on a fishing expedition.
“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,” he said.
While reaffirming his commitment to anti-corruption, Obi emphasized that any credible campaign against wrongdoing must be consistent, transparent, and begin with those currently in power rather than selectively targeting opponents.
“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,” he added.
Obi concluded by calling on the government to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no Nigerian is persecuted for their political beliefs, particularly as the nation approaches a critical election period.
