“Justice Must Have a Heart” — Obi Reacts to El-Rufai’s Wife’s Tears, Urges Due Process

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for fair and transparent treatment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that the rule of law must guide the handling of allegations against any citizen.

Obi said he was moved after watching a viral video of El-Rufai’s wife, Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, expressing emotional concerns over the treatment of her husband.

The former Anambra State governor, who is currently in the United States, shared his reaction in a statement posted on his X handle titled, “A Wife’s Tears, A Nation’s Conscience: Let Justice Have a Heart.”

Obi said that while allegations against El-Rufai or any other individual should be investigated, justice must remain transparent, fair and consistent with democratic principles.

“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,” Obi wrote.

He said bail conditions and other legal processes should not become instruments of punishment before a person has been convicted.

“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,” Obi stated.

The NDC presidential candidate stressed that democratic institutions have a responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of every citizen, regardless of political status or background.

He warned against any action that could create the perception of selective justice, saying such practices could weaken public confidence in government institutions and threaten national unity.

“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 said.

El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State, is currently facing legal proceedings over allegations bordering on abuse of office, fraud, money laundering and other financial offences. He has denied wrongdoing and described the allegations as politically motivated.

Obi urged Nigerians to work towards building a society where the law remains supreme and where every citizen is guaranteed justice, fairness and dignity.

“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,” he added.