Human rights lawyer and outspoken activist, Dele Farotimi, has declared that if Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) had any incriminating baggage in his past, the administration of President Bola Tinubu would have uncovered and weaponised it long ago.

Farotimi made the explosive assertion while defending Obi’s integrity, arguing that despite emerging as one of the most potent political threats to the ruling establishment, no anti-corruption agency or security institution has been able to pin a corruption scandal or criminal allegation on him.

According to him, Obi has spent years under the political microscope and yet remains untouched by the scandals and controversies that have consumed 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,” Farotimi said.

He argued that agencies such as the EFCC, DSS and ICPC have had every opportunity to investigate Obi, especially given his growing influence and persistent criticism of the current 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,” he stated.

Farotimi contrasted Obi’s situation with that of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, whom he suggested has frequently faced pressure from state authorities because of his confrontational stance against those in power.

According to him, critics of the government often find themselves under intense scrutiny, making Obi’s ability to remain free from official accusations even more significant.

He also referenced recent controversies involving outspoken political figures and government critics, arguing that the state has shown a willingness to move swiftly against individuals whenever grounds exist to do so.

“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” whose public conduct and personal discipline have distinguished him from many of his contemporaries.

However, he stopped short of offering a blanket political endorsement, insisting that while he respects Obi as an individual, he remains unconvinced about the organisational strength and ideological depth of the opposition political structure around him.

“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 said.

The activist argued that Nigeria’s deeper challenge is the failure of political parties to inspire and mobilise millions of citizens who have become indifferent to the political process.

He maintained that meaningful change may require the emergence of a broad-based movement built on ideas and principles rather than personalities alone.

Nevertheless, Farotimi insisted that Obi’s ability to withstand years of political attacks without being tainted by scandal 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. (The Guardian)

Update news