Human rights lawyer and political activist, Dele Farotimi, has thrown his weight behind former presidential candidate and NDC leader Peter Obi, declaring that the inability of the Federal Government to implicate him in any corruption scandal is proof of his personal integrity.
Farotimi argued that Obi has remained one of the most formidable political challengers to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, yet has not been linked to any criminal investigation despite years of intense public scrutiny.
Speaking during a recent interview, Farotimi said if Obi had any hidden scandals, financial misconduct, or questionable dealings in his past, the current administration would have unearthed and publicized them long ago.
“Peter Obi is perhaps one of the greatest threats to the political establishment today. If there was anything incriminating against him, Nigerians would have seen it by now,” he said.
According to Farotimi, the Federal Government has demonstrated a readiness to deploy state institutions against perceived opponents whenever evidence or allegations exist, making Obi’s record even more remarkable.
He noted that agencies such as the EFCC, DSS, and ICPC have had ample opportunity to investigate the former Anambra governor but have failed to produce any corruption allegations against him.
“In a country where public officials are constantly under scrutiny, especially those challenging power, Peter Obi has remained standing. No corruption case, no criminal indictment, no scandal. That says something,” Farotimi stated.
The activist contrasted Obi’s situation with that of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who has repeatedly faced arrests, prosecutions and confrontations with security agencies over his criticism of successive governments.
According to him, the Nigerian state has never hidden its willingness to move against outspoken critics when grounds exist, making Obi’s continued freedom from official accusations a notable political reality.
Farotimi also referenced recent cases involving government critics who have found themselves entangled in investigations and legal battles, insisting that Obi’s political relevance would have made him an obvious target if damaging evidence existed against him.
“People have been investigated, prosecuted and harassed for far less. Yet Peter Obi remains one of the most scrutinised opposition figures in Nigeria, and nobody has produced anything substantial against him,” he said.
Describing Obi as an “uncommon politician,” Farotimi praised his discipline, restraint and public conduct, while maintaining that Nigeria’s political problems go beyond individual personalities.
While expressing admiration for Obi’s character, he said genuine national transformation would require stronger political institutions, clear ideological direction and a mass movement capable of mobilising citizens around shared values.
Nevertheless, he insisted that Obi’s ability to withstand years of political attacks without being successfully linked to corruption should not be ignored.
“If there was a skeleton in Peter Obi’s cupboard, those in power would have dragged it out long ago. The fact that they have not speaks volumes,” Farotimi declared.