NNPP leader calls for fairness, due process, and restraint from government_
The National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged the Federal Government to handle issues around Peter Obi’s safety concerns and Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s detention with transparency, justice and respect for the rule of law.
In a statement issued this weekvia his verified X handle, Kwankwaso said he watched with “deep concern” two media appearances — one by the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, and the other by the family of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
On Obi, Kwankwaso noted that the former Anambra governor raised “serious worries about his personal safety and the adverse impact his role as an opposition leader has had on his businesses.”
He faulted the Federal Government’s response, saying it resorted to “personal insults and derogatory language instead of the restraint and maturity expected of a democratic administration.”
“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.
“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 El-Rufai*
The NNPP leader also commented on the continued detention of Malam Nasir El-Rufai, describing as “distressing” the public expressions of anguish by the wives of the former governor.
Kwankwaso stressed that regardless of political affiliation, El-Rufai is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.
He expressed concern over what he described as “stringent and unreasonable conditions” attached to bail, and the delay in granting it.
“As an unconvicted citizen, he deserves a fair and expeditious trial, while his health and that of his family are adequately safeguarded,” he stated.
Kwankwaso said he was joining “well-meaning Nigerians” to urge the Federal Government to ensure these matters are not “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 added.
The statement comes amid heightened political debate over the treatment of opposition figures and the state of civil liberties in the country.
