Peter Obi moved by El-Rufai’s wife’s plea to Tinubu

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The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, on Wednesday said he was moved by the emotional appeal of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, urging that justice must be transparent, fair and rooted in due process.

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Obi, who said he watched a viral video of Asiya El-Rufai’s appeal while in the United States, warned against selective justice.

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He warned that such treatment could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and threaten national unity.

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In a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, Obi said, “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.”

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He maintained that all Nigerians, regardless of the allegations against them, deserve fair treatment under the law.

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“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.

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The former Anambra State governor urged law enforcement agencies to uphold professionalism and adhere strictly to due process.

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“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,” Obi stated.

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He added, “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.”

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El-Rufai has faced multiple arrests and court cases this year linked to corruption allegations, cybercrime, and national security matters, including claims related to phone tapping.

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Hajiya El-Rufai spoke on Tuesday, alongside El-Rufai’s other wife, Aichatou, at their Abuja residence, appealing to Tinubu to ensure her husband receives fair treatment, saying the family had endured trauma despite the support they gave the President during the 2023 election campaign.

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also alleged that her husband, who she said had been diagnosed with high blood pressure and high blood sugar, had been denied access to adequate medical treatment.

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“Mr President, Sir, I campaigned for you. I stood up and went to every nook and cranny of Kaduna State for you. My husband stood by your side. Is this what our family deserves?

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“The ball is in your court, Mr President. All these can stop if you say a word. We believe that you are a father, and we know you can empathise,” she stated.

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Her appeal came hours after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission confirmed the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar, over alleged false statements linked to the former governor’s medical visit while in custody.

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The anti-graft agency said it facilitated El-Rufai’s medical visit in compliance with a court directive and its obligation to respect the rights and welfare of persons in custody.

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The commission further stated that the Kaduna State High Court fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against the former governor, but that he failed to appear on the first day of proceedings after insisting on seeing his personal doctor before leaving for court.

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