Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has defended the integrity of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that any damaging information against him would have already been uncovered and made public by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Obi’s reputation amid Nigeria’s heated political climate, Farotimi argued that the former Anambra State governor has remained one of the most prominent critics and political challengers to the current government, yet no corruption scandal or criminal allegation has been successfully linked to him.
According to Farotimi, Obi has spent years under intense public and political scrutiny without becoming entangled in the controversies that have affected many public office holders.
“Peter Obi has been one of the biggest problems for the Tinubu hegemony. If there was anything incriminating against him, Nigerians would have heard about it by now. This is a government that does not hesitate to deploy the instruments of state power against perceived opponents,” he said.
The activist noted that agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have had ample opportunity to investigate Obi, particularly given his growing political influence and vocal criticism of the administration.
“The man is walking freely. The EFCC has not invited him. The DSS has not called him in. The ICPC has not found a case against him. In a system where opponents are constantly scrutinised, that reality should tell Nigerians something,” Farotimi stated.
Drawing comparisons with activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, Farotimi suggested that outspoken critics of government policies often face heightened scrutiny from state institutions. He argued that Obi’s continued freedom from official accusations is noteworthy, considering his position as a leading opposition figure.
He further pointed to recent incidents involving government critics, claiming that authorities have demonstrated a readiness to investigate or prosecute individuals whenever sufficient grounds exist.
“People speak and immediately the system moves against them. We have seen instances where critics become targets of investigations, prosecutions or intimidation. Yet Peter Obi, despite being one of the biggest thorns in the flesh of the establishment, remains standing and they have found nothing to hold against him,” he said.
Farotimi described Obi as an “uncommon politician,” praising his personal discipline and public conduct. However, he clarified that his admiration for Obi does not amount to a blanket political endorsement.
While acknowledging Obi’s qualities, the lawyer expressed concerns about the strength and ideological foundation of the political movement surrounding him, stressing that successful politics requires more than individual popularity.
“I admire him as a person. I respect his doggedness. But politics is not just about personalities. It is about programmes, organisation and the ability to mobilise the people around ideas,” he noted.
Farotimi argued that Nigeria’s broader political challenge lies in the inability of political parties to inspire and effectively engage citizens. He maintained that lasting change would likely emerge from a broad-based movement driven by ideas, principles and collective action rather than reliance on individual personalities.
Despite his reservations about opposition structures, Farotimi maintained that Obi’s record under years of political scrutiny deserves recognition.
“If there was a skeleton in Peter Obi’s cupboard, those in power would have dragged it into the public square long ago. The fact that they have not been able to do so speaks volumes,” he declared.
