The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for fair treatment and due process in the prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, warning against what he described as selective justice that could undermine public confidence in the rule of law.
Obi made the remarks in a post on X on Wednesday after watching a viral video in which El-Rufai’s wife, Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure her husband receives fair treatment while standing trial.
“I woke this morning in America and was deeply moved by an emotional viral video of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, prompting deep reflection on our nation’s future,” Obi wrote.
“Regardless of the allegations against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai or any other citizen, justice must be transparent and fair, with reasonable bail conditions that should not be seen as punitive before trial. In a democracy governed by the rule of law, institutions exist to protect every citizen’s rights, regardless of their background.”
Obi stressed that in a constitutional democracy, institutions exist to safeguard the rights of every citizen and urged law enforcement agencies to adhere strictly to due process.
“We must resist any hint of selective justice that erodes public trust and threatens national unity. Those tasked with enforcing our laws must act professionally and strictly follow due process,” he stated.
He added that Nigeria must remain a country where the rule of law guarantees dignity and justice for every citizen.
“Let us strive for a Nigeria where the law is paramount, and where every citizen is guaranteed dignity and justice. This is the foundation of the New Nigeria we envisage,” Obi said.
Obi’s comments come a day after El-Rufai’s wife publicly appealed to President Tinubu to ensure the former governor is granted his constitutional rights, including bail on terms he can reasonably meet, while his trial continues.
The appeal also followed the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged false statements relating to the former governor’s medical visit while in custody.
