National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide Yunusa Tanko has dismissed claims that security agencies are planning to file corruption charges against former presidential candidate Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an interview with Punch, Mr. Tanko said the former Anambra governor has no criminal record and has never been indicted for corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Department of State Services (DSS).
His comments followed reports that Mr. Obi and other opposition figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could be targeted for arrest amid the prosecution of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Others mentioned include former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Tanko said Obi and his supporters would not be intimidated.
“Long ago, it has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Peter Obi would be as clean as a whistle and that has already been established by Nigerians and even the security apparatus.
“So, we have been preparing ourselves for the extra measures that this government will take, because we know that this government will stop at nothing to manipulate, intimidate, coerce and harass any of their opposition to establish their grip on Nigeria.
“So, we are ready, and we are waiting because if they decide to go that route, they will have to answer to the Nigerian people. That’s the best I can say.
“But we know that they will try to intimidate anything or anyone they can. That’s what they will do. So, we are ready. We’ll be waiting.”
When asked if the alleged persecution of opposition figures was linked to the 2027 election, Tanko responded, “Yes, of course. It’s about the 2027 elections and nothing more.”
He also alleged that efforts to influence the 2027 polls had begun.
“Already the rigging has started. What are you talking about? From the laws that they’ve approved, they are trying to legitimise their criminality.
“How do you legitimise? You coerce, intimidate and take over the National Assembly by manipulating people and intimidating them.
“So, all these are geared towards legitimising this so-called rigging that has already started. It is now left for the populace to say no to this rigging machine that is already meted out to us as a people.
“Dominating the nation and working against the interest of the people would not be acceptable to true democrats in Nigeria,” he said.
The comments come amid tensions within opposition circles following investigations and prosecutions involving political figures.
In September 2025, ADC alleged that the administration of President Bola Tinubu planned to arrest four former governors linked to the party.
Former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami was later arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and charged in court over fraud allegations.
He is currently being held by the DSS despite having been granted bail.
El-Rufai is facing a three-count charge over his claim that the phone of the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu was bugged.
He is also under investigation by EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged fraud.
