…Calls for fair trial, bail for El-Rufai
By Beatrice Gondyi
Former Kano State Governor and vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned the Federal Government’s response to Peter Obi’s recent expression of safety concerns, while also calling for fair treatment and bail for detained former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Kwankwaso made the call on Thursday, expressing deep concern over two notable media appearances: one by his presidential running mate, Mr Peter Obi, and the other by the family of Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
Kwankwaso noted that in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Obi voiced serious worries about his personal safety and the adverse impact his role as an opposition leader has had on his businesses.
The former governor said he found the Federal Government’s response even more troubling, describing it as resorting 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. Democratic leadership requires fairness, justice, and restraint”, he said.
He stressed that a government entrusted with protecting citizens should not dismiss or mock credible calls for help from any individual, including Peter Obi.
Kwankwaso also addressed the case of Nasir El-Rufai, saying it was distressing to watch the former governor’s wives publicly express the family’s anguish over his prolonged detention.
According to Kwankwaso, El-Rufai, like every Nigerian, is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court. He described the continued delay in granting him bail through what many perceive as stringent and unreasonable conditions as deeply concerning.
El-Rufai was granted bail by a Federal High Court in Kaduna with conditions requiring two sureties of N200 million each, properties worth N200 million in GRA, Kaduna, and an attestation from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.
His wife, Asiya El-Rufai, has alleged that efforts to meet the bail conditions have proved impossible because the traditional council declined to provide the required attestation.
“As an unconvicted citizen, he deserves a fair and expeditious trial, while his health and that of his family are adequately safeguarded,” Kwankwaso stated.
The former governor urged the Federal Government to handle these matters with transparency, accountability, and justice, insisting that these issues must not be weaponised to settle political scores.
Kwankwaso also reiterated his stance that for democracy to truly thrive, every citizen, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political persuasion, must receive equal and equitable treatment under the law from the government that exists to protect all.
He further urged the Federal Government to ensure due process is followed and to respect the constitutional rights of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
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