- Safiu Kehinde
The 2023 Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has charged the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to stop the alleged persecution and undermining of political opponents under the guise of fighting corruption and wrongdoings.
Obi gave the charge in a statement issued on his official X handle on Monday.
Reflecting on the arrest and detention of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and former Kaduna state governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Obi held that the methods used in their apprehension contradict the principles of rule of law.
He alleged that their prosecution was deliberately timed to render them ineffective in the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) bid to oust Tinubu out of power in 2027.
“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. 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.” Obi said.
While affirming his belief in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, the former Anambra governor called for the adherence of the criminal trial process to strict legal standards as he demanded an end to targeted prosecution of political 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.
“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.” Obi added.