Peter Obi calls for due process, fair bail conditions in El-Rufai case

The NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for transparency, fairness and strict adherence to the rule of law in the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, warning against what he described as any perception of selective justice.

Obi made the remarks in a Facebook post on Wednesday after watching a viral video of El-Rufai’s wife, Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, in which she made an emotional appeal over her husband’s legal challenges.”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.The former Anambra State governor stressed that every Nigerian, irrespective of status or political affiliation, deserves 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.”Obi also cautioned against actions capable of undermining public confidence in the justice system.”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.”Obi’s intervention comes as El-Rufai continues to face multiple criminal proceedings.The former Kaduna governor was recently arraigned before the Federal High Court in Kaduna alongside his former Special Adviser, Jimi Lawal, and several corporate entities on amended charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, money laundering and financial impropriety. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is also facing a separate case before the Kaduna State High Court.In June, a Federal High Court declined El-Rufai’s application seeking a variation of his bail conditions, ruling that the existing terms were appropriate to ensure his attendance during trial.Obi has consistently maintained that criminal allegations should be determined by the courts through due process while preserving the constitutional rights of accused persons. His latest comments follow renewed public debate over El-Rufai’s bail conditions after his wife’s emotional appeal circulated widely on social media.The cases against El-Rufai remain before the courts, with further proceedings expected in the coming months.