Peter Obi Slams ‘Weaponization’ of Criminal Prosecution Against ADC Leaders

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has called for an immediate cessation of what he described as the blatant persecution of political opponents under the guise of criminal prosecution.

In a statement issued via his official X handle on Monday, March 9, 2026, the former Anambra State Governor argued that the weaponization of the judiciary and security agencies against opposition figures threatens national stability and undermines the rule of law.

Obi’s intervention follows the recent apprehension and continued detention of prominent political figures, including former Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, and the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

The ADC Chieftain expressed particular concern over the timing and procedural conduct of these arrests, noting that the affected individuals had recently expressed commitments to ensuring a change in government by 2027.

Obi characterized the ongoing legal actions as politically motivated, asserting that prosecutorial decisions must be grounded in transparent evidence rather than ulterior motives.

He further criticized the judicial handling of these cases, citing the denial of bail and the imposition of stringent conditions as indicators of a targeted campaign against the administration’s critics.

Obi noted: "The integrity of the rule of law in Nigeria is non-negotiable; its degradation undermines our economic development and threatens national stability."

Regarding the specific treatment of the former Kaduna State Governor, he stated: "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."

While reaffirming his support for the fight against corruption, Obi maintained that such campaigns must be conducted with integrity and transparency, starting with those currently in power.

He argued that a credible anti-corruption drive cannot afford to be selective or appear to be a tool for suppressing political dissent. "As we approach a critical election period, the government must cease its efforts to undermine political opponents under the pretense of battling corruption and wrongdoing," Obi added.