Abuja, NIGERIA – The National Leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has strongly criticized the Federal Government over its hostile response to the security concerns raised by Peter Obi and the prolonged detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
In a strongly worded press statement released on Thursday, July 9, 2026, the former Kano State Governor warned the President Bola Tinubu administration against using state power and judicial processes to settle partisan political scores. Okay News reports that Kwankwaso’s intervention follows recent viral media appearances from both political figures that have triggered intense national debate regarding press freedom and the rule of law.
Addressing the controversy surrounding Peter Obi’s recent explosive interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo—where the NDC presidential candidate openly expressed deep fears over his personal safety and state-sponsored sabotage of his private businesses—Kwankwaso condemned the Presidency’s combative reaction. He slammed federal spokespersons for resorting to personal insults and derogatory mockery instead of extending institutional protection, declaring that every Nigerian citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, deserves state security rather than ridicule when raising credible calls for help.
Concurrently, the Kwankwasiyya movement leader expressed deep distress over a recent emotional media appearance by the wives of Malam Nasir El-Rufai, who publicly detailed the family’s severe mental anguish over his continuous, prolonged detention by federal security agencies. Kwankwaso maintained that El-Rufai is constitutionally entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process, terming the stringent, unfulfilled bail conditions keeping him in custody as an intentional administrative delay. Urging immediate judicial reforms and transparency, Kwankwaso reminded the ruling government that for Nigeria’s democracy to survive, the administration must provide equal, equitable, and transparent treatment under the law to all citizens regardless of their regional or political persuasion.
