The 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Monday called for an end to the persistent persecution of political opponents by the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.
Obi, in a strong-worded statement released on X, said the present administration must put an end to the blatant persecution of political opponents disguised as criminal prosecution.
Titled, “Time to End the Persecution of Political Opponents”, the statement also warned that the integrity of the rule of law in Nigeria is non-negotiable and its continued degradation undermines Nigeria’s economic development and threatens national stability.
Highlighting the recent arrests of some key leaders of the coalition party, including Abubakar Malami, a former Attorney General of the Federation, and Nasir El-Rufai, a former Governor of Kaduna State, Obi said the action of the Tinubu-led government is worrisome.
“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 the 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,” Obi wrote on X.
He further noted that the situation surrounding the El-Rufai case is particularly concerning due to his repeated transfers between the various anti-graft agencies and the secret police, the Department of State Security (DSS).
According to him, this only suggests 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 instils 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 pretence of battling corruption, and wrongdoing,” Obi noted.
He further stated that while he supports the fight against corruption by the Nigerian government, there is a need for such to be conducted with integrity and transparency.
“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,” Obi added.