Kwankwaso Sparks Political Storm With Explosive Remarks On Peter Obi and El-Rufai

The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised the Presidency over its response to comments made by the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying the government’s reaction fell short of democratic standards.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued on Thursday, Kwankwaso expressed concern over the Presidency’s description of Obi as a “serial liar,” arguing that raising concerns about personal safety should not be met with insults or dismissive language.

His reaction followed a statement by President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who rejected Obi’s claims that he was being targeted by the Federal Government.

Onanuga described Obi’s allegations as false and misleading, accusing the former Anambra State governor of attempting to gain public sympathy. He also dismissed Obi’s assertion that an airport incident involving his vehicle was politically motivated, saying it stemmed from a violation of parking regulations.

The presidential aide further rejected Obi’s claims that he feared for his safety ahead of the 2027 general election and that individuals were being discouraged from inviting him to public events.

Responding, Kwankwaso said democratic leadership requires restraint, fairness and respect for citizens, regardless of their political affiliation.

Reflecting on recent public comments by both Peter Obi and the family of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Kwankwaso said he was deeply troubled by the developments.

He argued that every Nigerian, including opposition figures, deserves equal protection under the law and should not be ridiculed for expressing concerns about their safety.

“Like every Nigerian, our presidential candidate and all citizens deserve the full protection of the state, not ridicule for raising legitimate concerns. Democratic leadership demands fairness, justice and restraint. A government entrusted with protecting its citizens should not dismiss or mock credible calls for help from anyone, including Mr. Peter Obi,” he said.

Addressing the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Kwankwaso also urged the Federal Government to ensure that the matter is handled transparently and in accordance with due process.

He said the emotional appeal recently made by El-Rufai’s family highlighted the human impact of the case, stressing that every Nigerian is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.

According to Kwankwaso, prolonged detention and delays in granting bail under what many consider stringent conditions raise legitimate concerns about fairness and justice.

He further called on the government to pay attention to concerns raised about El-Rufai’s health and the wellbeing of his family while ensuring that the former governor receives a fair and timely trial.

Kwankwaso concluded by urging the Federal Government to avoid allowing politically sensitive cases to become instruments for settling political differences, insisting that all Nigerians deserve equal treatment under the law regardless of their ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.