Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has called on the Federal Government to guarantee the safety of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and ensure that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai receives fair treatment under the law. He made the appeal on Thursday in a statement while reacting to recent developments involving both politicians.
Kwankwaso said Obi, like every Nigerian, deserves protection from the government after raising concerns about his personal safety. He argued that it is the responsibility of the state to protect its citizens instead of dismissing their fears.
According to him, any genuine concern about security should be treated seriously regardless of the political affiliation of the person involved.
His reaction followed Obi’s recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, where the former Anambra State governor said he feared for his safety and claimed that his role as an opposition leader had affected his business interests. Obi also expressed concern that he might not be alive to participate in the 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso also spoke on the continued detention of El-Rufai, saying the former governor deserves the constitutional rights available to every Nigerian. He maintained that no one should be treated as guilty before a competent court reaches a verdict. He added that the legal process should move quickly and fairly while protecting the health and well-being of El-Rufai and his family.
The former Kano State governor urged the authorities to handle both matters with openness and fairness. He warned against allowing political differences to influence the actions of government institutions, saying equal treatment under the law is necessary for democracy to grow.
Kwankwaso said all Nigerians, regardless of age, religion, ethnicity or political beliefs, should enjoy the same protection and justice from the government.
Obi’s interview attracted reactions from the ruling All Progressives Congress, which rejected his claims and described them as unfounded. The party also suggested that the former Labour Party presidential candidate should undergo psychiatric evaluation.
The discussion around El-Rufai’s detention has also continued to attract attention. On Wednesday, one of his wives, Asiya El-Rufai, criticised the arrest of the former governor’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar. She said the action could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties freely and raised concerns about its effect on healthcare delivery.