Obi defends working with Malami, El-Rufai despite corruption charges

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has said he is willing to collaborate with members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), regardless of ongoing corruption allegations against some of them.

Obi made the remarks on Saturday during an interview with Magic FM in Aba, emphasizing that engaging with the accused provides an opportunity to effect positive change.

Obi drew parallels with the teachings of Jesus Christ, citing how the biblical figure associated with tax collectors and prostitutes to transform them.

“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,” he said.

He further argued that many individuals facing corruption allegations today were once highly regarded, citing Attorney General Abubakar Malami and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as examples.

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“Most of them are actually facing persecution, because yesterday, they were the people who were saints… 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,” Obi said.

El-Rufai was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on March 24 on charges related to alleged fraud and money laundering. Similarly, Malami, his wife Bashir Asabe, and son Abdulaziz are facing a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), but all have pleaded not guilty.

Obi also reaffirmed his confidence in being the most competent and qualified candidate to represent the ADC in the next presidential election.

He cited his extensive experience in business, banking, governance, and international partnerships as factors that set him apart from other contenders.

“I’m the most qualified to become an 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. Of all those who are contesting today, I believe that if you check our backgrounds, I’m the most qualified,” he stated.

Obi’s remarks underscore his strategy to engage with all political actors, including those facing allegations, while positioning himself as the leading candidate to steer the ADC in the upcoming elections.