Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has defended his willingness to associate with politicians accused of corruption, saying engagement provides an opportunity to reform them if found culpable.

 

Obi made the remarks on Saturday during an interview on Magic FM in Aba, Aba, where he addressed concerns about his political alliances, particularly with members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

 

According to him, working closely with individuals facing allegations does not equate to endorsing wrongdoing but rather creates a platform to influence change.

 

“I am moving with politicians with corruption allegations so that I can change them positively if they are guilty,” Obi stated.

 

Drawing a religious parallel, Obi cited the example of Jesus Christ, noting that his association with tax collectors and prostitutes was part of a broader mission to transform lives.

 

“When Jesus came, his friends were tax collectors and prostitutes because it was part of what he was trying to change,” he said.

 

The former Anambra State governor also raised concerns about what he described as selective application of justice in Nigeria’s political system. He referenced former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, questioning why they are allegedly being targeted.

 

“Everybody knows the contributions of Malami and El-Rufai to the present government. So why are they being persecuted?” Obi asked.

 

He argued that the law is not being applied evenly, claiming that some individuals with more serious allegations continue to operate freely while others are singled out for prosecution.

 

Reports indicate that Nasir El-Rufai was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on March 24 over allegations of fraud and money laundering. Similarly, Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife and son, is said to be facing multiple counts related to alleged financial crimes.

 

Obi’s comments have sparked debate among political observers, with some supporting his engagement approach as pragmatic, while others question the implications of aligning with figures under corruption scrutiny.

 

The remarks come amid ongoing realignments in Nigeria’s political landscape, as key actors position themselves ahead of future elections.