“They Are Watching Him But Have No Case” – Dele Farotimi Speaks on Peter Obi’s Corruption Record
Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele
Farotimi, has said that the integrity of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, can be seen in the fact that no Nigerian anti-corruption agency has invited him for questioning despite his consistent criticism of the current administration.
Farotimi made the remarks during an interview with media host Edmund Obilo, where he spoke about Obi’s political record and his place in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
According to the lawyer, Obi has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the present government.
Yet, institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) have not summoned him over any corruption allegations.
Farotimi noted that in a political environment where opposition figures often face scrutiny from state institutions, the absence of any corruption investigation against Obi speaks volumes.
“A person who has been as much of a problem for this administration as Peter Obi has been, and the EFCC has not invited him,” Farotimi said during the interview.
He continued by pointing out that none of the major anti-corruption agencies in the country has found grounds to question the former governor.
“There is no justification for the DSS to summon him to account. No invitation has been given to him by the ICPC. And the system you’re dealing with is really spiteful. Despite this, they are observing Peter,” he added.
Farotimi emphasized that throughout Obi’s political career, particularly during his tenure as governor of Anambra State, there has been no corruption case requiring him to answer before any investigative body.
“Not a single case can they summon him to answer,” he declared.
Farotimi Praises Obi but Warns Against Over-Reliance on Political Platforms
While speaking highly of Obi’s personal integrity, Farotimi was careful to separate his admiration for the politician from his expectations about political parties.
He noted that although Obi remains an exceptional figure in Nigerian politics, joining a particular political platform alone may not be sufficient to trigger the kind of systemic transformation many Nigerians desire.
Farotimi specifically referenced the African Democratic Congress (ADC), cautioning that no single political party can automatically produce a national political revolution without broader structural reforms.
According to him, real change in Nigeria would require more than the popularity or credibility of an individual politician.
Obi’s Reputation in Nigeria’s Political Landscape
Peter Obi, who previously served as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014, has built a reputation among supporters as a disciplined and prudent public administrator.
His political influence grew significantly during the 2023 presidential election cycle, where he attracted a large following, particularly among young voters seeking political reforms.
Farotimi’s comments appear to reinforce a narrative often promoted by Obi’s supporters—that the former governor’s political career has not been tainted by corruption scandals commonly associated with Nigerian politics.
However, the activist maintained that while Obi stands “head and shoulders above many of his contemporaries,” Nigeria’s political transformation will require a broader movement beyond the popularity of any single political figure.
Growing Political Conversations Ahead of Future Elections
Farotimi’s remarks come at a time when discussions about political realignments and the future of opposition politics in Nigeria are intensifying ahead of the next election cycle.
Political analysts say debates around leadership credibility, accountability, and institutional reforms are likely to dominate the national discourse in the coming years.
For many observers, comments such as those made by Farotimi highlight the growing public interest in the integrity and track record of political leaders in Nigeria’s evolving democratic space.
As political conversations continue, the question of leadership credibility—particularly among prominent opposition figures like Obi—remains a key topic in Nigeria’s national debate.
