Kwankwaso to FG: Obi, Opposition Candidates Deserve Full Protection of the State

Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (RMK), has called on the Federal Government to uphold the rule of law by ensuring the safety of opposition figures and guaranteeing due process for former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

In a statement on Thursday, Kwankwaso expressed concern over two recent media appearances, one by the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress NDC Peter Obi and the other by members of El-Rufai’s family which, according to him, highlighted troubling issues about governance, justice, and democratic accountability.

Reacting to Peter Obi’s interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Kwankwaso said he was disturbed by Obi’s concerns over the threat to his life and the alleged impact of his opposition role on his businesses.

He criticised the Federal Government’s response, describing it as one marked by personal attacks rather than the restraint 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 stated, adding that democratic leadership requires fairness, justice, and restraint.

He stressed that a government entrusted with protecting citizens should not dismiss or mock credible security concerns raised by any individual, including political opponents.

Kwankwaso also expressed sympathy with the family of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai after watching his wives publicly speak about the family’s distress over his prolonged detention.

He maintained that regardless of political affiliation, El-Rufai is entitled to due process and should be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.

Kwankwaso said the continued delay in granting El-Rufai bail, which many have described as being tied to stringent and unreasonable conditions, was deeply concerning.

“As an unconvicted citizen, he deserves a fair and expeditious trial, while his health and that of his family are adequately safeguarded,” he said.

Kwankwaso who is the Vice Presidential Candidate of NDC urged the Federal Government to handle both matters with transparency, accountability, and justice, warning against the use of state institutions to settle political differences.

He stated that Nigeria’s democracy can only flourish when every citizen, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, age, or political affiliation, is treated equally under the law and afforded the full protection of the government.