Kwankwaso Condemns Tinubu Government's Response to Peter Obi's Safety Concerns, Joins Calls to Demand Justice for Detained El-Rufai

Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC vice presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticised the federal government's response to concerns raised by Peter Obi over his personal safety, while also calling for justice and due process in the case involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

In a statement released on Thursday, Kwankwaso expressed concern over government’s response to Peter Obi's recent interview in which the former Anambra State governor alleged that intimidation by the federal government had affected his personal safety, businesses and social interactions.

He faulted the government's response, saying it resorted to personal insults and derogatory remarks instead of demonstrating the restraint and maturity expected of a democratic administration.

"Like every Nigerian, our presidential candidate and all of us deserve the full protection of the state, not ridicule for raising legitimate concerns," Kwankwaso said. He added that a government entrusted with protecting its citizens should not dismiss or mock credible calls for help from any individual, including Obi.

Kwankwaso also expressed sympathy for the family of Nasir El-Rufai after watching the former governor's wives publicly speak about what they described as the family's anguish over his prolonged detention.

He argued that regardless of political affiliation, every Nigerian is entitled to due process and the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.

According to him, the continued delay in granting El-Rufai bail through what he described as stringent and unreasonable conditions raises concerns about fairness and justice. He said the former governor deserves a fair and expeditious trial while his health and the well-being of his family should be adequately protected.

Kwankwaso urged the federal government to handle both matters with transparency, accountability and justice, warning that such issues should not be weaponised to settle political scores. He maintained that Nigeria's democracy can only thrive when every citizen, regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, receives equal treatment under the law.