Peter Obi Warns Against Selective Prosecution of Political Opponents Under Tinubu
The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Monday urged the current administration to halt what he described as the ongoing persecution of political opponents under President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Obi, in a statement obtained by PulseNets on X, stressed that the administration must end the use of criminal prosecution as a cloak for targeting political rivals.
Titled, “Time to End the Persecution of Political Opponents”, the statement highlighted that the erosion of the rule of law threatens Nigeria’s economic growth and poses risks to national stability.
Obi spoke to PulseNets about the recent arrests of prominent figures in opposition coalitions, including Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation, and Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State. He described the actions of the Tinubu-led government as deeply troubling.
“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,” Obi wrote on X.
He continued, “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 further told PulseNets that the case involving El-Rufai is especially alarming due to repeated transfers between multiple anti-graft agencies and the Department of State Security (DSS). According to him, this points to an apparent desperation to find any charge that might hold, bordering on a fishing expedition rather than a legitimate 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.
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“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 added.
He also underscored his support for anti-corruption initiatives, noting that such efforts must be executed transparently and without bias.
“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 emphasised.
