The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Thursday criticised the Federal Government’s handling of concerns raised by NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, urging authorities to uphold justice, fairness and the rule of law.In a statement shared on Thursday, Kwankwaso said Obi deserved state protection after expressing fears about his safety, while El-Rufai should be granted due process and a fair trial in line with constitutional provisions.Reacting to Obi’s recent interview with Chude Jideonwo, where the former Anambra State governor expressed concerns about his safety and alleged that his role as an opposition leader had negatively affected his businesses, Kwankwaso faulted the Federal Government’s response.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.”He added that “a government entrusted with protecting citizens should not dismiss or mock credible calls for help from any individual, including Mr. Peter Obi.”Kwankwaso also expressed concern over the continued detention of El-Rufai, saying he was disturbed after watching the former governor’s wives publicly speak about the family’s ordeal.“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,” he said.He argued that the delay in granting El-Rufai bail under what he described as “stringent and unreasonable conditions” was troubling, insisting that, as an unconvicted citizen, the former governor deserved “a fair and expeditious trial” while his health and that of his family should be protected.Kwankwaso urged the Federal Government to handle both matters with “transparency, accountability, and justice,” warning against using state institutions to settle political scores.“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 stated.Obi had, during an interview on With Chude, alleged that the current administration wasfrustratinghis activities and expressed fears that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed his businesses had suffered because of his opposition role.The remarks sparked a sharp response from the All Progressives Congress, which dismissed Obi’s claims as “hallucination” and suggested that the former presidential candidate should undergo a psychiatric evaluation.The statement also comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of his wives,Asiya El-Rufai, alleged that the arrest of the former governor’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, amounted to the “weaponisation” of healthcare, warning that such actions could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties without fear. She spoke during an interview on ARISE News. In a statement shared on Thursday, Kwankwaso said Obi deserved state protection after expressing fears about his safety, while El-Rufai should be granted due process and a fair trial in line with constitutional provisions.Reacting to Obi’s recent interview with Chude Jideonwo, where the former Anambra State governor expressed concerns about his safety and alleged that his role as an opposition leader had negatively affected his businesses, Kwankwaso faulted the Federal Government’s response.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.”He added that “a government entrusted with protecting citizens should not dismiss or mock credible calls for help from any individual, including Mr. Peter Obi.”Kwankwaso also expressed concern over the continued detention of El-Rufai, saying he was disturbed after watching the former governor’s wives publicly speak about the family’s ordeal.“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,” he said.He argued that the delay in granting El-Rufai bail under what he described as “stringent and unreasonable conditions” was troubling, insisting that, as an unconvicted citizen, the former governor deserved “a fair and expeditious trial” while his health and that of his family should be protected.Kwankwaso urged the Federal Government to handle both matters with “transparency, accountability, and justice,” warning against using state institutions to settle political scores.“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 stated.Obi had, during an interview on With Chude, alleged that the current administration wasfrustratinghis activities and expressed fears that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed his businesses had suffered because of his opposition role.The remarks sparked a sharp response from the All Progressives Congress, which dismissed Obi’s claims as “hallucination” and suggested that the former presidential candidate should undergo a psychiatric evaluation.The statement also comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of his wives,Asiya El-Rufai, alleged that the arrest of the former governor’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, amounted to the “weaponisation” of healthcare, warning that such actions could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties without fear. She spoke during an interview on ARISE News. Reacting to Obi’s recent interview with Chude Jideonwo, where the former Anambra State governor expressed concerns about his safety and alleged that his role as an opposition leader had negatively affected his businesses, Kwankwaso faulted the Federal Government’s response.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.”He added that “a government entrusted with protecting citizens should not dismiss or mock credible calls for help from any individual, including Mr. Peter Obi.”Kwankwaso also expressed concern over the continued detention of El-Rufai, saying he was disturbed after watching the former governor’s wives publicly speak about the family’s ordeal.“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,” he said.He argued that the delay in granting El-Rufai bail under what he described as “stringent and unreasonable conditions” was troubling, insisting that, as an unconvicted citizen, the former governor deserved “a fair and expeditious trial” while his health and that of his family should be protected.Kwankwaso urged the Federal Government to handle both matters with “transparency, accountability, and justice,” warning against using state institutions to settle political scores.“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 stated.Obi had, during an interview on With Chude, alleged that the current administration wasfrustratinghis activities and expressed fears that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed his businesses had suffered because of his opposition role.The remarks sparked a sharp response from the All Progressives Congress, which dismissed Obi’s claims as “hallucination” and suggested that the former presidential candidate should undergo a psychiatric evaluation.The statement also comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of his wives,Asiya El-Rufai, alleged that the arrest of the former governor’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, amounted to the “weaponisation” of healthcare, warning that such actions could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties without fear. She spoke during an interview on ARISE News. 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.”He added that “a government entrusted with protecting citizens should not dismiss or mock credible calls for help from any individual, including Mr. Peter Obi.”Kwankwaso also expressed concern over the continued detention of El-Rufai, saying he was disturbed after watching the former governor’s wives publicly speak about the family’s ordeal.“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,” he said.He argued that the delay in granting El-Rufai bail under what he described as “stringent and unreasonable conditions” was troubling, insisting that, as an unconvicted citizen, the former governor deserved “a fair and expeditious trial” while his health and that of his family should be protected.Kwankwaso urged the Federal Government to handle both matters with “transparency, accountability, and justice,” warning against using state institutions to settle political scores.“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 stated.Obi had, during an interview on With Chude, alleged that the current administration wasfrustratinghis activities and expressed fears that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed his businesses had suffered because of his opposition role.The remarks sparked a sharp response from the All Progressives Congress, which dismissed Obi’s claims as “hallucination” and suggested that the former presidential candidate should undergo a psychiatric evaluation.The statement also comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of his wives,Asiya El-Rufai, alleged that the arrest of the former governor’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, amounted to the “weaponisation” of healthcare, warning that such actions could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties without fear. She spoke during an interview on ARISE News. He added that “a government entrusted with protecting citizens should not dismiss or mock credible calls for help from any individual, including Mr. Peter Obi.”Kwankwaso also expressed concern over the continued detention of El-Rufai, saying he was disturbed after watching the former governor’s wives publicly speak about the family’s ordeal.“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,” he said.He argued that the delay in granting El-Rufai bail under what he described as “stringent and unreasonable conditions” was troubling, insisting that, as an unconvicted citizen, the former governor deserved “a fair and expeditious trial” while his health and that of his family should be protected.Kwankwaso urged the Federal Government to handle both matters with “transparency, accountability, and justice,” warning against using state institutions to settle political scores.“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 stated.Obi had, during an interview on With Chude, alleged that the current administration wasfrustratinghis activities and expressed fears that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed his businesses had suffered because of his opposition role.The remarks sparked a sharp response from the All Progressives Congress, which dismissed Obi’s claims as “hallucination” and suggested that the former presidential candidate should undergo a psychiatric evaluation.The statement also comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of his wives,Asiya El-Rufai, alleged that the arrest of the former governor’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, amounted to the “weaponisation” of healthcare, warning that such actions could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties without fear. She spoke during an interview on ARISE News. Kwankwaso also expressed concern over the continued detention of El-Rufai, saying he was disturbed after watching the former governor’s wives publicly speak about the family’s ordeal.“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,” he said.He argued that the delay in granting El-Rufai bail under what he described as “stringent and unreasonable conditions” was troubling, insisting that, as an unconvicted citizen, the former governor deserved “a fair and expeditious trial” while his health and that of his family should be protected.Kwankwaso urged the Federal Government to handle both matters with “transparency, accountability, and justice,” warning against using state institutions to settle political scores.“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 stated.Obi had, during an interview on With Chude, alleged that the current administration wasfrustratinghis activities and expressed fears that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed his businesses had suffered because of his opposition role.The remarks sparked a sharp response from the All Progressives Congress, which dismissed Obi’s claims as “hallucination” and suggested that the former presidential candidate should undergo a psychiatric evaluation.The statement also comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of his wives,Asiya El-Rufai, alleged that the arrest of the former governor’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, amounted to the “weaponisation” of healthcare, warning that such actions could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties without fear. She spoke during an interview on ARISE News. “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,” he said.He argued that the delay in granting El-Rufai bail under what he described as “stringent and unreasonable conditions” was troubling, insisting that, as an unconvicted citizen, the former governor deserved “a fair and expeditious trial” while his health and that of his family should be protected.Kwankwaso urged the Federal Government to handle both matters with “transparency, accountability, and justice,” warning against using state institutions to settle political scores.“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 stated.Obi had, during an interview on With Chude, alleged that the current administration wasfrustratinghis activities and expressed fears that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed his businesses had suffered because of his opposition role.The remarks sparked a sharp response from the All Progressives Congress, which dismissed Obi’s claims as “hallucination” and suggested that the former presidential candidate should undergo a psychiatric evaluation.The statement also comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of his wives,Asiya El-Rufai, alleged that the arrest of the former governor’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, amounted to the “weaponisation” of healthcare, warning that such actions could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties without fear. She spoke during an interview on ARISE News. He argued that the delay in granting El-Rufai bail under what he described as “stringent and unreasonable conditions” was troubling, insisting that, as an unconvicted citizen, the former governor deserved “a fair and expeditious trial” while his health and that of his family should be protected.Kwankwaso urged the Federal Government to handle both matters with “transparency, accountability, and justice,” warning against using state institutions to settle political scores.“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 stated.Obi had, during an interview on With Chude, alleged that the current administration wasfrustratinghis activities and expressed fears that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed his businesses had suffered because of his opposition role.The remarks sparked a sharp response from the All Progressives Congress, which dismissed Obi’s claims as “hallucination” and suggested that the former presidential candidate should undergo a psychiatric evaluation.The statement also comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of his wives,Asiya El-Rufai, alleged that the arrest of the former governor’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, amounted to the “weaponisation” of healthcare, warning that such actions could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties without fear. She spoke during an interview on ARISE News. Kwankwaso urged the Federal Government to handle both matters with “transparency, accountability, and justice,” warning against using state institutions to settle political scores.“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 stated.Obi had, during an interview on With Chude, alleged that the current administration wasfrustratinghis activities and expressed fears that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed his businesses had suffered because of his opposition role.The remarks sparked a sharp response from the All Progressives Congress, which dismissed Obi’s claims as “hallucination” and suggested that the former presidential candidate should undergo a psychiatric evaluation.The statement also comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of his wives,Asiya El-Rufai, alleged that the arrest of the former governor’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, amounted to the “weaponisation” of healthcare, warning that such actions could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties without fear. She spoke during an interview on ARISE News. “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 stated.Obi had, during an interview on With Chude, alleged that the current administration wasfrustratinghis activities and expressed fears that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed his businesses had suffered because of his opposition role.The remarks sparked a sharp response from the All Progressives Congress, which dismissed Obi’s claims as “hallucination” and suggested that the former presidential candidate should undergo a psychiatric evaluation.The statement also comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of his wives,Asiya El-Rufai, alleged that the arrest of the former governor’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, amounted to the “weaponisation” of healthcare, warning that such actions could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties without fear. She spoke during an interview on ARISE News. Obi had, during an interview on With Chude, alleged that the current administration wasfrustratinghis activities and expressed fears that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed his businesses had suffered because of his opposition role.The remarks sparked a sharp response from the All Progressives Congress, which dismissed Obi’s claims as “hallucination” and suggested that the former presidential candidate should undergo a psychiatric evaluation.The statement also comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of his wives,Asiya El-Rufai, alleged that the arrest of the former governor’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, amounted to the “weaponisation” of healthcare, warning that such actions could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties without fear. She spoke during an interview on ARISE News. The remarks sparked a sharp response from the All Progressives Congress, which dismissed Obi’s claims as “hallucination” and suggested that the former presidential candidate should undergo a psychiatric evaluation.The statement also comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of his wives,Asiya El-Rufai, alleged that the arrest of the former governor’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, amounted to the “weaponisation” of healthcare, warning that such actions could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties without fear. She spoke during an interview on ARISE News. The statement also comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of his wives,Asiya El-Rufai, alleged that the arrest of the former governor’s longtime physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, amounted to the “weaponisation” of healthcare, warning that such actions could discourage medical professionals from carrying out their duties without fear. She spoke during an interview on ARISE News.