By Lanre Oloyede
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, saying he was emotionally moved by the tears of El-Rufai’s wife and warning against what he described as any form of selective justice in Nigeria.
Obi, who is currently in the United States, made the remarks in a statement posted on his verified X account titled, “A Wife’s Tears, A Nation’s Conscience: Let Justice Have a Heart.”
The former Anambra State governor said watching a viral video of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai expressing anguish over her husband’s treatment prompted deep reflection on the state of justice in the country.
“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.
While stressing that no individual should be above the law, Obi insisted that every Nigerian, irrespective of the allegations against them, deserves transparent and fair treatment.
“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,” he stated.
The opposition leader cautioned law enforcement agencies against actions capable of creating the impression of selective justice, warning that such a perception could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and threaten 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,” Obi added.
He called for a justice system anchored on fairness, dignity and the rule of law, saying these principles remain essential to building the “New Nigeria” envisioned by his political movement.
