Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has accused the Tinubu administration of using criminal prosecution as a weapon against political opponents, citing the arrests and continued detention of African Democratic Congress leaders Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement posted on his official X handle on Monday, March 9, Obi said the timing and manner of the arrests raise serious questions about the government’s motives, particularly as both men have committed to working toward removing the current administration in 2027.
“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,” Obi said.
He expressed concern over what he described as politically motivated arrests.
“The recent arrests and continued detention of key leaders from the African Democracy Congress, namely Mr. Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation, and Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State is worrisome.
“The timing of their arrests—coinciding with their commitment to ensure the current administration is voted out in 2027—raises serious questions.
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“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.”
Obi singled out El-Rufai’s case as particularly troubling, suggesting the former Kaduna governor’s transfers between security agencies point to a lack of clear charges.
“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.”
The former Anambra governor called for a justice system that protects citizens from political persecution.
“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.”
Obi said he supports the fight against corruption but insists it must be conducted with integrity and without selectivity.
“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,” he concluded.