Obi camp dismisses arrest speculation ahead of 2027

The camp of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has dismissed speculations that security and anti-graft agencies may file surprise charges against him in the build-up to the 2027 general election.

Speaking in an interview, Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, insisted there was no cause for alarm, maintaining that the former Anambra State governor has no criminal record.

Tanko stressed that Obi had never been indicted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Department of State Services (DSS), describing allegations of impending charges as baseless.

The clarification comes amid reports suggesting that Obi and other opposition figures linked with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could be targeted for arrest, particularly in light of the ongoing legal troubles involving former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Other prominent names reportedly mentioned include former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

Tanko said Obi and his supporters would not be intimidated, arguing that any attempt to harass opposition figures would ultimately be judged by Nigerians. He alleged that the political climate ahead of 2027 was already tense, claiming that the groundwork for manipulation of the electoral process had begun.

According to him, recent political developments and legislative decisions point to a broader strategy aimed at consolidating control ahead of the next general election. He maintained that opposition supporters were prepared for any eventuality.

The remarks come against the backdrop of mounting pressure within opposition ranks. In September 2025, the ADC accused the administration of Bola Tinubu of planning to persecute former governors aligned with the party.

Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, was later arrested by the EFCC and charged in court over fraud allegations. Though granted bail, he is reportedly being held by the DSS.

Similarly, El-Rufai is facing charges over his claim that the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was bugged. He is also under investigation by both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged fraud.

With these developments, concerns have grown within opposition circles that ongoing investigations and prosecutions could weaken their cohesion and bargaining strength ahead of 2027.

Beyond Obi, other influential figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Amaechi remain central to discussions surrounding the ADC’s anticipated presidential ticket as the race toward 2027 gradually gathers momentum.