Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State, has expressed his “deep concern” after 2027 Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, made known his “worries about his personal safety”.
Kwankwaso, 2027 Vice Presidential candidate of the NDC, said, the former Governor of Anambra State “deserves the full protection of the state”.
Obi made his “worries” known during an interview with Mr. Chude Jideonwo; he also revealed the “adverse impact” his position as an opposition leader has brought upon his businesses.
Via X, Kwankwaso said, it is even “more troubling” that the response from the Federal Government descended to “personal insults and derogatory language”. The former Minister of Defence added, he expected “restraint and maturity” from the government.
Also, he expressed “distress” after watching the wives of former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, lamenting over the detention of their husband for a prolonged period of time.
Kwankwaso said: “This week, I have observed with deep concern two notable media appearances: one by my brother, Mr. Peter Obi, and the other by the family of Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
“In his interview with Mr. Chude Jideonwo, Mr. Obi voiced serious worries about his personal safety and the adverse impact his role as an opposition leader has had on his businesses.
“Even more troubling was the Federal Government’s response, which resorted to personal insults and derogatory language instead of the restraint and maturity expected of a democratic administration.”
Kwankwaso called on the government to ensure the protection of its citizens, and not to ignore “calls for help” from anyone, including, Obi.
He said: “Let me state clearly: like every Nigerian, our presidential candidate and all of us deserve the full protection of the state, not ridicule for raising legitimate concerns.Democratic leadership requires fairness, justice, and restraint.
“A government entrusted with protecting citizens should not dismiss or mock credible calls for help from any individual, including Mr. Peter Obi.
“On the other hand, it was distressing to watch the wives of Malam Nasir El-Rufai publicly express the family’s anguish over his prolonged detention.”
The former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria said, El-Rufai deserves a “fair and expeditious trial” as he expressed his disgust at the “delay” in granting him bail.
Kwankwaso requested the Federal Government to deal with these issues with “transparency, accountability, and justice”, saying, they must not be “weaponized” for political reasons.
He said: “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.
“The continued delay in granting him bail through what many perceive as stringent and unreasonable conditions is deeply concerning. As an unconvicted citizen, he deserves a fair and expeditious trial, while his health and that of his family are adequately safeguarded.
“I therefore join well-meaning Nigerians in urging the Federal Government to handle these matters with transparency, accountability, and justice. These issues must not be weaponised to settle political scores.”
