Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has said he is willing to work with members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including those facing corruption allegations, insisting engagement could drive positive change.
Speaking on Saturday during a radio programme in Aba, Abia State, Mr Obi said collaborating with such individuals presents an opportunity to influence them constructively if found wanting.
He referenced the example of Jesus Christ, noting that he associated with tax collectors and others considered morally questionable in order to reform 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.
The remarks come amid shifting political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as opposition figures seek to build broader coalitions despite ongoing legal and political controversies.
On allegations and prosecution
Mr Obi also questioned what he described as selective application of the law, suggesting that some individuals are being targeted for political reasons.
“Most of them are actually facing persecution, because yesterday, they were the people who were saints,” he said.
Citing former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, Mr Obi argued that both individuals had played roles in the current administration.
“Everybody knows the contributions of Malami and El-Rufai to the present government. So why are they being persecuted?” he asked.
He added that some individuals with more serious allegations continue to operate freely.
Legal context
Mr El-Rufai was recently arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on charges related to alleged fraud and money laundering.
Similarly, Mr Malami, alongside his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz, is facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
‘Most qualified candidate’
Mr Obi also maintained that he remains the most competent aspirant to represent the ADC in the next presidential election.
He cited his background in business, banking, governance, and international partnerships as key strengths.
“I’m the most qualified to become an ADC candidate. Who is more competent? Who has more capacity?” he said.
“Of all those who are contesting today, I believe that if you check our backgrounds, I’m the most qualified.”
Mr Obi’s comments are likely to spark debate over accountability, political pragmatism, and the role of integrity in leadership selection.
Discover more from VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
