Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, has condemned the arrest of his political ally, Dele Farotimi, over a defamation petition.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Obi described Mr Farotimi’s arrest as a grave assault on democracy.

Mr Obi said Mr Farotimi’s arrest “is a gross misuse of police powers and a grave assault on the principles of democracy and justice in Nigeria.

“I condemn this action in totality. It represents not only an attempt to intimidate opposing voices from questioning authority.”

Mr Obi berated those behind Mr Farotimi’s arrest, calling for the human rights lawyer’s immediate and unconditional release.

“The police must recognise that their allegiance is to the constitution and the people of Nigeria, not to narrow interests at the behest of those in power,” the former Anambra governor added.

Mr Farotimi’s arrest was reported earlier on Tuesday. Before his arrest, Mr Farotimi, in a statement, said Tony Elumelu, the chairman of UBA, had filed a petition against him, in which he had honoured the police invitation.

Additionally, Mr Farotimi alleged that senior lawyer Afe Bababola mobilised Nigerian police to arrest and take him to Ekiti State for trial.