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Former Kano State governor and presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticised the Nigerian government’s handling of concerns raised by opposition figures Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai, calling for fairness, due process, and equal protection under the law.
Kwankwaso, who is Peter Obi’s running mate under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) platform for the 2027 elections, said he was concerned by Obi’s claims of threats to his safety and the alleged impact of his opposition role on his businesses.
Reacting to the government’s response to Obi’s concerns, Kwankwaso said democratic leadership requires restraint and accountability, arguing that public officials should not dismiss legitimate calls for protection.
“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 also addressed the detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, after members of his family publicly expressed concerns over his continued custody.
Kwankwaso said El-Rufai, regardless of political affiliation, should be treated in accordance with legal principles, including the presumption of innocence.
“Regardless of political affiliation, Malam El-Rufai, like every Nigerian, is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court,” he said.
The former governor called on the government to ensure transparency in handling both matters, warning against using legal processes as tools for political retaliation.
“These issues must not be weaponised to settle political scores,” Kwankwaso added, stressing that democracy can only thrive when citizens receive equal treatment under the law.
