Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has defended his decision to work with members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including those facing corruption allegations, stating that engagement offers a chance for reform.
Speaking on Saturday during an interview on Magic FM in Aba, Abia State, Obi said collaborating with such individuals provides an opportunity to positively influence them if they are found guilty.
He drew a parallel with the example of Jesus Christ, noting that association with people of questionable reputation can be a pathway to transformation.
“When Jesus came here, his friends were tax collectors and prostitutes because it’s all part of what he was trying to change. It was all part of what he was trying to build as a person,” Obi said.
“Most of them are actually facing persecution, because yesterday, they were the people who were saints.
“Malami and El-Rufai, for example. Everybody knows the contributions of Malami and El-Rufai to the present government. So why are they being persecuted?
“The law is very selectively applied because we know we could see people who have done worse.
“We know people who actually should not be part of us all moving around like stars, while this government is busy targeting those whom they think are political opponents.”
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on March 24 over allegations of fraud and money laundering.
Similarly, former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz, is facing a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They have all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Obi maintained that he remains the most qualified candidate to represent the ADC in the next presidential election, citing his experience across multiple sectors.
“I’m the most qualified to become ADC candidate. Who is more competent? Who has more capacity? When I say it, I know people don’t like that, but I say it to everyone,” he said.
“Of all those who are contesting today, I believe that if you check our backgrounds, I’m the most qualified.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
