Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed concern over the safety of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement released on Thursday, Kwankwaso said he was disturbed by recent media appearances involving Obi and El-Rufai’s family, describing both situations as troubling for Nigeria’s democracy.
Reacting to Obi’s interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Kwankwaso said the former presidential candidate’s concerns about his personal safety and the alleged impact of opposition politics on his businesses deserved serious attention.
He criticised the Federal Government’s response, saying it should have demonstrated restraint and maturity instead of resorting to personal attacks.
Kwankwaso maintained that every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, deserves the full protection of the state and should not be ridiculed for raising legitimate security concerns.
The NNPP leader also expressed sympathy with the family of El-Rufai after watching his wives speak publicly about the emotional toll of his continued detention. He argued that the former governor, like every Nigerian citizen, is entitled to due process, the presumption of innocence, and a fair hearing before a competent court.
He further raised concerns over what he described as prolonged detention and stringent bail conditions, urging authorities to ensure an expeditious trial while safeguarding El-Rufai’s health and the well-being of his family.
Kwankwaso called on the Federal Government to handle both matters with transparency, accountability, and justice, warning against the use of state institutions to settle political differences.
According to him, Nigeria’s democracy can only flourish when every citizen, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, receives equal treatment under the law and adequate protection from the government.
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