NDC vice-presidential candidate urges the Federal Government to uphold justice, due process and equal protection amid political tensions

The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Thursday criticised the Federal Government’s handling of concerns raised by the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, calling for justice, fairness and strict adherence to the rule of law.

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In a statement released on Thursday, Kwankwaso said every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, deserved equal protection under the law, arguing that government institutions should respond to legitimate concerns with responsibility rather than dismissal.

Addressing comments made by Obi during a recent interview on With Chude, Kwankwaso said the former Anambra State governor was entitled to state protection after expressing fears about his personal safety and the impact of his opposition role on his business interests.

“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,” 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.”

Obi had alleged during the interview that the current administration was frustrating his political activities and claimed he feared he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. The former Labour Party presidential candidate also said his businesses had suffered because of his role in the opposition.

The remarks triggered a swift response from the ruling All Progressives Congress, which dismissed the allegations as “hallucination” and suggested that Obi should undergo a psychiatric evaluation, further intensifying political exchanges ahead of the next election cycle.

Kwankwaso also turned attention to the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing the situation as deeply concerning and stressing that constitutional safeguards must apply to every citizen.

The NDC vice-presidential candidate said he was particularly moved after watching El-Rufai’s wives publicly speak about the family’s experience, urging authorities to ensure that legal proceedings remain transparent and credible.

“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,” Kwankwaso said.

He argued that the conditions attached to El-Rufai’s bail were “stringent and unreasonable” and maintained that, as an accused person who has not been convicted, the former governor deserved “a fair and expeditious trial” while his health and family welfare should be protected.

The statement comes amid growing public attention over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of the former governor’s wives, Asiya El-Rufai, alleged during an interview on ARISE News that the arrest of the family’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, amounted to the “weaponisation” of healthcare. She warned that such actions could discourage medical professionals from providing treatment without fear of legal consequences.

Kwankwaso urged the Federal Government to handle both matters with transparency, accountability and justice, cautioning against allowing political disagreements to influence the use of state institutions.

“These issues must not be weaponised to settle political scores. 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 intervention adds to a growing national debate over political freedoms, due process and the protection of opposition figures.

Rights advocates and legal observers have repeatedly argued that public confidence in democratic institutions depends on the impartial application of the law, particularly in politically sensitive cases.

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As attention remains fixed on both Obi’s allegations and El-Rufai’s legal battle, the Federal Government continues to face calls to demonstrate that constitutional guarantees apply equally to all Nigerians.