Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed concern over the recent arrests and ongoing detention of key leaders from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) – former Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, and former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.

In a statement on Monday, Obi urged the current administration to put an end to the blatant persecution of political opponents disguised as criminal prosecution. According to him, the integrity of the rule of law in Nigeria is non-negotiable; “its degradation undermines our economic development and threatens national stability.”

Obi lamented that the timing of their arrests—coinciding with their commitment to ensure the current administration is voted out in 2027—raises serious questions.

He said the methods used in their apprehension contradict the principles of the 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,” he said.

Obi expressed the belief 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. He said 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,” he said.

“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,” he said.