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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said that he was deeply moved after watching a viral video of Asiya El-Rufai, the wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing her emotional appeal as a moment that prompted reflection on Nigeria’s future.
In a statement on Wednesday, Obi said the video, which he watched while in the United States, stirred his conscience and showed the need for justice to be administered with fairness and compassion.
A Wife’s Tears, A Nation’s Conscience: Let Justice Have a Heart.
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.
Regardless of the allegations against Mallam Nasir… pic.twitter.com/H54jq1Mq5D
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) July 8, 2026
He maintained that regardless of the allegations against El-Rufai or any other Nigerian, the justice system must remain transparent, while bail conditions should be reasonable and not appear punitive before trial.
Obi stressed that in a democracy governed by the rule of law, institutions exist to protect the rights of every citizen, irrespective of status or background.
“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.
“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 said.
The former Anambra governor warned against any perception of selective justice, saying it could erode public confidence in state institutions and threaten national unity.
He also urged law enforcement agencies and other institutions responsible for enforcing the law to act professionally and strictly adhere to due process.
Obi added that Nigeria must aspire to be a country where the rule of law is upheld and every citizen is treated with dignity and justice, describing those values as the foundation of the “New Nigeria” he envisions.
“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.
“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,” he concluded.
