El-Rufai: Obi accuses Tinubu administration of persecuting political opponents

Africa, Politics

Abuja, Nigeria — March 9, 2026 — Peter Obi, leader of Nigeria’s opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) government of engaging in what he described as “blatant persecution of political opponents disguised as criminal prosecution.”

In a statement issued Monday, Obi cited the arrests and continued detention of former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, both senior figures in the ADC. He questioned the timing of their arrests, noting that they coincided with their public commitment to challenge the current administration in the 2027 elections.

Obi criticised the methods used in their apprehension, arguing that they contravened the principles of the rule of law. He said prosecutorial decisions must be based on credible evidence and probable cause, presented transparently and without political 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,” he stated.

He further expressed concern over the repeated transfers of El-Rufai between the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS, describing the moves as “a desperate search for any charge that might stick, straying dangerously close to a fishing expedition rather than a credible investigation.”

Obi emphasised the need for a justice system that instils confidence in citizens, ensuring that no one is persecuted for political beliefs. “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,” he said.

While reaffirming his support for the fight against corruption, Obi insisted that such efforts must begin with those currently in power and be conducted with integrity and transparency. “A credible anti-corruption and anti-wrongdoing campaign cannot afford to be selective,” he added.