Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has warned President Bola Tinubu against targeting opposition figures, calling for the immediate end to the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami.
Obi expressed concern over the continued detention of El-Rufai and Malami, describing the situation as troubling and a threat to Nigeria’s rule of law.
In a statement shared on X on Monday, Obi accused the administration of Bola Tinubu of using criminal prosecution as a political tool against opposition figures. The African Democratic Congress chieftain called on the government to immediately stop what he described as the persecution of political opponents under the guise of legal action.
Obi said the rule of law in Nigeria must remain strong and non-negotiable, warning that weakening it could damage the country’s economic progress and threaten national stability. He noted that the arrests and continued detention of Malami and El-Rufai are worrying, especially as both men are key figures in the ADC.
According to him, the timing of their arrests raises serious concerns because it came after their commitment to ensure the current administration is voted out in the 2027 elections. Obi also questioned the methods used in their arrests, saying prosecutorial decisions must be based on clear evidence and probable cause and must be handled transparently without hidden motives.
He further criticised what he described as the denial of bail or the imposition of overly strict bail conditions, arguing that such actions suggest criminal prosecution is being used as a weapon against political opponents.
Obi said the situation involving El-Rufai is particularly disturbing, pointing to his repeated transfers between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Department of State Services. He said the movement between agencies suggests authorities may be searching for any charge that could be used against him rather than conducting a focused investigation.
The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria needs a justice system that gives every citizen confidence that they will not face persecution because of their political beliefs or actions that those in power may disagree with. As the country moves closer to another election cycle, he warned that the government must avoid undermining political opponents under the cover of fighting corruption.
Obi said he fully supports the fight against corruption and wrongdoing but insisted that it must be carried out with integrity and transparency. He added that any credible anti-corruption campaign must not be selective and should begin with those currently in power rather than targeting only political rivals. He ended his message with his usual call that “a new Nigeria is possible.”
