Obi moved by El-Rufai’s wife’s tears, demands fair trial for ex-gov

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to due process in the handling of legal proceedings against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Obi made the call in a statement on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, after watching what he described as an emotional video of El-Rufai’s wife, Asiya, saying it prompted him to reflect on Nigeria’s justice system and the country’s future.

El-Rufai’s wives had on Tuesday appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure the former governor receives fair treatment, saying the family had endured trauma despite the support they gave the president during the 2023 election campaign.

Obi, who warned the federal government against any form of selective justice, said regardless of the allegations against El-Rufai or any other Nigerian, justice must be administered fairly, while bail conditions should be reasonable and not appear punitive before trial.

I may not survive to contest 2027 — Obi

Obi cautioned against any perception of selective justice, saying such actions could undermine public confidence in the nation’s institutions and threaten national unity.

The former governor of Anambra State stated: “In a democracy governed by the rule of law, institutions exist to protect every citizen’s rights, regardless of their background.

“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.”