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Obi Deserves Protection From Federal Government, Not Ridicule — Kwankwaso
The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Thursday criticised the federal government’s handling of concerns raised by the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as well as the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, urging the authorities to uphold justice, fairness and the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Thursday,
Kwankwaso said Obi deserved state protection after expressing fears about his safety, while El-Rufai should be accorded due process and a fair trial in line with the provisions of the Constitution.
Reacting to Obi’s recent interview with Chude Jideonwo, in which 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.
“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 said.
He added, “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 former Kaduna State Governor Nasir 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 was frustrating his activities and expressed fears that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed that his businesses had suffered because of his role in the opposition.
His remarks drew a sharp response from the All Progressives Congress (APC), which dismissed the claims as “hallucination” and suggested that the former presidential candidate should undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
Kwankwaso’s statement also comes amid growing concerns over El-Rufai’s detention. On Wednesday, one of the former governor’s wives, Asiya El-Rufai, alleged during an interview on ARISE News that the arrest of El-Rufai’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.
Headline
OsunDecides2026: ‘Protect our votes, respect our mandate,’ Adeleke urges Tinubu, security operatives
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies deployed for the governorship election to protect the integrity of the electoral process as collation of results begins.
Adeleke made the appeal in a post on X on Saturday evening, expressing concern over alleged attempts to disrupt or hijack collation centres across the state.
Addressing Tinubu, the governor said, “It is imperative that you use your good office to issue a clear warning to the heads of security agencies deployed to protect the good people of Osun State and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.”
He said reports of alleged attempts to disrupt collation centres by politicians were “deeply concerning and unacceptable,” given the number of security personnel deployed for the election.
Adeleke urged the President to reiterate his commitment to ensuring that votes cast by Osun residents count and that the final outcome reflects their choice.
“I therefore implore you to reiterate the commitment made to the people of Osun State that their votes will count and that the outcome of this election will reflect their genuine choice,” he said.
The governor specifically called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to adhere to the directive, while urging that the Independent National Electoral Commission receive the necessary support to complete the process.
“The Nigeria Police, DSS, Nigerian Army, NSCDC and other security agencies must strictly adhere to this directive, while INEC must be given every necessary support to conclude the process and deliver a credible and transparent outcome,” Adeleke said.
He added, “The people of Osun State have spoken with one voice, and their voices must be heard. Their votes must be protected, and their mandate must be respected.”
Adeleke also commended voters for turning out for the election and urged security agencies to remain vigilant as results move from polling units to wards and local government collation centres.
“Against all odds, the people of Osun State have turned out in large numbers and are speaking with one voice. The safety and protection of our people is paramount,” he said.
“I commend the security agencies deployed for this election and urge them to remain vigilant as we move into the collation of results; from polling units to wards to local government areas.”
The governor further called on INEC to maintain high standards throughout the collation process.
“I also call on INEC to uphold the highest standards of integrity throughout this process,” he said.
Nigerian musician, David Adeleka, also known as Davido has asked President Bola Tinubu to call members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to order.
Davido made the call in a post on his verified X handle on Saturday as sorting and announcement of election results were ongoing.
His call stemmed from the allegation that ‘thugs’ of the Osun State Chapter of the APC stormed GOF junction, Osogbo the state capital to disrupt Ward 4 and 5 election results.
“Mr President, call your people to order. Osun APC thugs have invaded GOF junction, Osogbo to disrupt Ward 4 and 5 results.
“They have seen defeat and they are now trying to destroy ballot papers and boxes. Osogbo people will resist them.
“They want to start attacking everywhere. Osun people, mount your votes,” he tweeted.
The Accord Party has secured victory at the polling unit of former Osun State Deputy Governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore, in the ongoing governorship election.
Results published on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Result Viewing Portal, IReV, showed that Accord polled 131 votes at Polling Unit 003, Ife Ward 1, Moore, St. Gabriel Primary School, Ife East Local Government Area.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, came second with 85 votes, while the African Democratic Congress, ADC, received 10 votes. Other political parties recorded only marginal votes.
The result adds to a series of early victories recorded by Accord in the election.
Earlier, the party also won at the polling unit of former Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, where it secured 125 votes.
At the same polling unit, APC garnered 85 votes, while ADC polled five votes.
INEC has continued to upload results to the IReV portal as collation progresses across the state.
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