Former Kano State Governor and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has called on the Federal Government to guarantee the safety of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and ensure that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, receives fair treatment and due process in his ongoing legal troubles.
Kwankwaso made the appeal in a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he expressed concern over recent developments involving the two opposition figures, warning against actions that could undermine democratic values and the rule of law.
The former presidential candidate said he was disturbed by comments made by Obi during a recent interview in which the former Anambra State governor reportedly raised concerns about his personal safety and alleged negative effects of his opposition role on his business interests.
According to Kwankwaso, the response from the Federal Government to Obi’s concerns fell short of the standards expected in a democracy.
“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:“A government entrusted with protecting citizens should not dismiss or mock credible calls for help from any individual, including Mr. Peter Obi.“
The former Kano governor stressed that democratic governance requires fairness, restraint and respect for the rights of all citizens regardless of their political affiliations.
Kwankwaso also expressed concern over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, saying he was troubled by public appeals made by members of the former governor’s family regarding his situation.
“Regardless of political affiliation, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, like every Nigerian, is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court,” he stated.
He argued that the conditions attached to El-Rufai’s bail had generated public concern and called for a speedy and transparent judicial process.
“As an unconvicted citizen, he deserves a fair and expeditious trial, while his health and that of his family are adequately safeguarded,” Kwankwaso added.
The former governor further urged authorities to avoid turning legal and political disputes into instruments for settling partisan scores.
“These issues must not be weaponised to settle political scores,” he warned.Kwankwaso maintained that the strength of Nigeria’s democracy would be measured by the extent to which all citizens receive equal treatment under the law, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political persuasion.”
For our democracy to truly thrive, every citizen, young or old, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political persuasion, must receive equal and equitable treatment under the law from the government that exists to protect us all,” he said.
The statement comes amid growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections and increasing debate over the treatment of opposition figures by the government.
Neither the Federal Government nor security agencies had officially responded to Kwankwaso’s remarks as of the time of filing this report.
