Obi Urges Fair Trial For El-Rufai

Obi Urges Fair Trial For El-Rufai (News Central TV) Obi Urges Fair Trial For El-Rufai (News Central TV)
Peter Obi. Credit: Reuters

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for transparency and fairness in the trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, warning against what he described as selective justice.

Obi made the call in a post on X on Wednesday after watching a viral video of El-Rufai’s wife, Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, who, he said, moved him to reflect on the country’s future.

“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.

Advertisement

Without commenting on the allegations against the former governor, Obi emphasised that every Nigerian is entitled to due process and fair treatment under the law.

“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 said.

Obi Urges Fair Trial For El-Rufai(News Central TV)
El-Rufai.
Credit: Reuters

Obi warned that any perception of selective justice could undermine confidence in public institutions and threaten national cohesion.

“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.

The former Anambra State governor urged authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliation or status.

“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,” Obi added.

His comments follow ongoing public attention surrounding El-Rufai and the circulation of a viral video featuring his wife appealing over his situation.

Author

  • Olayide Oluwafunmilayo Soaga is a Nigerian journalist with four years of professional experience. She reports on health, gender, education and development, with a focus on impact-driven storytelling.

    She was runner-up for the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) Best Solutions Journalism Award in West Africa in 2024 and a finalist for the 2025 West Africa Media Excellence Awards.

Share the Story
Advertisement

Keep Up to Date with the Most Important News

Weekly roundups. Sharp analysis. Zero noise.
The NewsCentral TV Newsletter delivers the headlines that matter—straight to your inbox, keeping you updated regularly.