Rabiu Kwankwaso has called on the Federal Government to ensure the safety of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and to guarantee former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai a fair trial in accordance with the law.
In a statement released on Thursday, Kwankwaso said Peter Obi deserves full state protection after expressing concerns about his safety and alleging that his opposition role has negatively affected his businesses. He said no Nigerian should be mocked or ignored for raising legitimate security concerns.
Kwankwaso also criticised the continued detention of Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that every Nigerian is entitled to due process and should be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court. He expressed concern over the bail conditions imposed on El-Rufai, describing them as harsh and unreasonable, and called for a fair and speedy trial.
He urged the Federal Government to handle both cases with transparency, accountability, and justice, warning against using state institutions to settle political disputes. According to him, democracy can only thrive when every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion, receives equal treatment under the law.
Kwankwaso’s statement followed Peter Obi’s recent interview with Chude Jideonwo, in which Obi claimed the current administration was frustrating his activities and said he feared he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. The ruling APC dismissed Obi’s claims, describing them as “hallucinations” and suggesting he undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
The statement also comes amid growing concern over El-Rufai’s detention. His wife, Asiya El-Rufai, recently accused authorities of “weaponising” healthcare following the arrest of the former governor’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, warning that such actions could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties without fear.
