Peter Obi, 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), says he will work with every member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in spite of the corruption allegations against them.
Speaking on Saturday on Magic FM in Aba, Abia state, Obi said getting closer to them offers him an opportunity to change them positively if they are guilty.
Obi cited Jesus Christ in the Bible, whom he said associated with prostitutes and tax collectors while on earth, to change them positively.
“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,” Obi said.
“Most of them are actually facing persecution, because yesterday, they were the people who were saints.
“Malami and El-Rufai, for example. Everybody knows the contributions of Malami and El-Rufai to the present government. So why are they being persecuted?
“The law is very selectively applied because we know we could see people who have done worse.
“We know people who actually should not be part of us all moving around like stars, while this government is busy targeting those whom they think are political opponents.”
El-Rufai was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on charges bordering on alleged fraud and money laundering on March 24.
Malami, his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz, are facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). But they have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
’I’M REMAIN THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATE’
Obi noted that he remains the most competent and qualified candidate to fly the flag of ADC in the next presidential poll.
He added that his experience in business, banking, governance, and partnership with countries makes him the most qualified.
‘I’m the most qualified to become ADC candidate. Who is more competent? Who has more capacity? When I say it, I know people don’t like that, but I say it to everyone,” Obi said.
“Of all those who are contesting today, I believe that if you check our backgrounds, I’m the most qualified.”
