Peter Obi Explains Why He's Allying with Allegedly Corrupt Politicians in ADC
- Peter Obi had explained why he continued to work with ADC figures facing corruption allegations
- The former Anambra governor argued that none of the affected ADC members had been convicted
- Obi also insisted that his background in business, banking and governance made him the most qualified contender for the ADC presidential ticket ahead of 2027
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has explained why he continues to associate with politicians facing corruption allegations within the African Democratic Congress, insisting that engagement does not amount to endorsement of wrongdoing.
Obi, who formally joined the ADC in December 2025 ahead of the 2027 elections, addressed the controversy during a radio interview on Magic FM Aba.
Source: Twitter
His comments followed criticism from some Nigerians who questioned his alliance with figures linked to ongoing corruption trials, Premium Times reported.
Reasons behind political engagement
The former Anambra State governor said working closely with individuals accused of corruption allows him to influence them positively if guilt is eventually established. He argued that disengagement would not lead to reform and cited biblical lessons to support his position.
“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.
Obi also maintained that those facing charges within the ADC have not been convicted by any court. He suggested that some cases were driven by political motives rather than genuine accountability, pointing to what he described as selective application of the law.
Source: Twitter
Claims of selective justice
He referenced figures such as Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai, questioning why they are now under scrutiny despite previously serving in government.
“Most of them are actually facing persecution, because yesterday, they were the people who were saints,” Obi said. He added that worse offenders, in his view, continued to operate freely without consequences.
The ADC emerged as the platform of a National Opposition Coalition Group adopted in July 2025. Key figures associated with the coalition include Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Malami, and El Rufai.
Obi asserts presidential credentials
Obi also reaffirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the ADC banner. He described himself as the most qualified among aspirants seeking the ticket.
“Who is more competent? Who has more capacity?” he said, pointing to his background in business, banking, and public administration. Obi argued that his experience managing resources at the sub national level positioned him to tackle corruption and invest effectively in health, education, and long-term national savings.
He concluded by saying his record, rather than accusations against associates, should define his political ambition.
Peter Obi decries worsening insecurity
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Peter Obi had issued one of his strongest public condemnations of Nigeria’s security and governance situation, warning that the country is sinking into a cycle of avoidable tragedies caused by leadership failure.
The former presidential candidate said the events of the past 10 days should alarm any nation whose institutions still retain a sense of responsibility. He described the period as a stretch marked by chaos, grief and a collapse of public confidence.
Source: Legit.ng
