Obi’s camp dismisses alleged plot to frame him ahead of 2027

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

Dr Yunusa Tanko, former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, described the reports as baseless in an interview, insisting there was no cause for alarm.

He maintained that Obi, a former Anambra State governor, has no criminal record and has never been indicted for corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Department of State Service (DSS).

Tanko’s comments followed reports suggesting that Obi and other opposition figures linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could face arrest amid the ongoing legal troubles of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

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

Tanko insisted that Obi and his supporters would not be intimidated, alleging that any attempt to target opposition leaders would be politically motivated. He argued that the alleged actions were connected to preparations for the 2027 elections.

He further claimed that efforts to manipulate the 2027 electoral process had already begun, accusing the government of intimidation and coercion aimed at weakening opposition parties.

The remarks come amid heightened political tension, following investigations and prosecutions involving several opposition figures. In September 2025, the ADC alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration planned to arrest and persecute four 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. He is reportedly being held by the DSS despite being granted bail.

El-Rufai is also facing legal challenges, including a three-count charge over claims that the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was bugged, alongside investigations by anti-corruption agencies.

The development has fuelled concerns within opposition ranks that ongoing legal battles could affect their cohesion and strategy ahead of the 2027 presidential race, where figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi are being discussed as potential contenders under the ADC platform.

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