Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has said he will continue to work with Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai despite corruption allegations against them.
Mr Obi spoke during an interview on Magic FM in Aba, where he addressed criticism over his association with members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) facing trial.
He said working with such individuals does not amount to supporting wrongdoing but allows him to influence them if they are found guilty.
“When Jesus came here, his friends were tax collectors and prostitutes because it was part of what he was trying to change,” he said.
Obi said those facing charges have not been convicted by any court and questioned what he described as selective application of the law.
He said Malami and El-Rufai had contributed to government and asked why they are now under scrutiny.
El-Rufai was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on March 24 over alleged fraud and money laundering.
Malami, his wife and son are facing a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They have pleaded not guilty.
Peter Obi also said he intends to contest the 2027 presidential election on the ADC platform.
He said he is the most qualified among those seeking the party’s ticket, adding that his background in business, banking and public service supports his claim.
