Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has weighed in on the arrest of former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Tambuwal was taken into custody on Monday over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals totaling ₦189 billion.
In a statement posted on his verified X account on Tuesday, Obi emphasized that the anti-corruption fight in Nigeria must be transparent and free from political bias to succeed. He described Tambuwal's arrest as a reminder of the "existing contradiction" in the country's anti-graft efforts.
Obi stressed that sincere leadership is essential to curbing corruption, urging the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies to apply the law equally to all Nigerians. He expressed his hope for a future where the anti-corruption fight is governed by a single law that applies to everyone, regardless of their status or affiliation.
The former governor also cautioned the EFCC operatives to uphold the rule of law and refrain from taking politically motivated actions. He emphasized the importance of relying on evidence and facts rather than impressions and preconceptions.
Obi maintained that a credible fight against corruption requires the public's trust and confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the process. He argued that for Nigeria to become corruption-free, the fight against corruption must be transparent and guided by the principles of justice and equality.
The Labour Party presidential candidate's statement highlights the need for a fair and unbiased approach to combating corruption in Nigeria. His call for transparency and equal application of the law underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served without fear or favor.