By Oscar Okhifo
Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government and law enforcement agencies to ensure that matters involving former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, are handled with fairness, transparency and strict adherence to the rule of law, warning against selective justice.
Obi made the appeal on Wednesday in a statement posted on his official Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) accounts after watching a viral video of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, wife of the former governor, speaking emotionally about her husband’s detention and the recent arrest of his physician, Dr. Bello Abubakar.
The former Anambra State governor said the video prompted deep reflection on the state of the nation, stressing that every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation or social status, deserves equal protection under the law.
“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 said.
He insisted that allegations against any individual should not diminish their constitutional rights.
“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 warned that any perception of selective justice would weaken public confidence in state institutions and undermine national unity.
“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 said.
Calling for a justice system anchored on fairness and human dignity, Obi added:
“Let us strive for a Nigeria where the law is paramount and every citizen is guaranteed dignity and justice.
“This is the foundation of the New Nigeria we envisage.”
Obi’s intervention comes amid growing reactions from opposition figures and legal practitioners over the treatment of El-Rufai and individuals associated with him.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside political associates and supporters of the former Kaduna governor, has repeatedly alleged that El-Rufai is being subjected to political persecution rather than a fair legal process.
They contend that the bail conditions imposed in matters involving him and those linked to him are excessively stringent and appear designed to keep them in prolonged detention before trial.
Some political analysts have also suggested that the administration of President Bola Tinubu may be seeking to diminish El-Rufai’s political influence ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that the former governor remains one of the North’s most influential political figures.
The Federal Government, however, has consistently rejected allegations of political persecution, maintaining that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies carry out their constitutional responsibilities independently and in accordance with the law.
Adding his voice to the debate, Abuja-based legal practitioner Kamin Asunugie cautioned against allowing perceptions about El-Rufai’s record in office to influence the application of justice.
According to him, even if critics believe the former governor governed with little regard for the rule of law, such views cannot justify denying him or any other citizen the constitutional guarantees of fair hearing and due process.
Asunugie argued that no Nigerian should be “clamped down on and effectively kept almost incommunicado” without full compliance with the law, warning that the erosion of one person’s rights could ultimately threaten the liberties of all citizens.
He further cautioned against celebrating El-Rufai’s current predicament.
“Those applauding what is happening today should realise that tomorrow they too could become victims of tyranny if the rule of law is allowed to give way to political expediency,” he warned.
The comments come amid sustained public scrutiny over the arrest of Dr. Bello Abubakar by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
While the commission has maintained that the arrest is connected to an ongoing investigation and has denied allegations of harassment or political victimisation, opposition politicians, lawyers and civil rights advocates have continued to call for strict observance of due process and respect for the constitutional rights of all those involved.