Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over insecurity and unemployment, saying a government that fails to protect lives and provide for its citizens is not responsible.

Kwankwaso made the remarks on Friday in Jos, Plateau State, during an event organised by the Middle Belt Youth Council for the Obi/Kwankwaso campaign team.

He lamented the decline of industries and factories across the country, arguing that their closure had reduced employment opportunities for Nigerians, including residents of Plateau State.

“You can’t find any factory or industry that is working and can employ people in this country, including Plateau State,” he said. “The factories we had before are gone, and nobody is paying attention to that.”

The former Kano State governor also expressed concern over persistent killings linked to banditry, Boko Haram insurgency and communal clashes, accusing leaders of failing to show adequate concern for the victims.

“Unfortunately, in this country, you wake up and find that 10 people, 20 people, 100 people, or even more, are killed like they’re not even human, and nobody cares,” he said.

Kwankwaso stressed that every Nigerian deserved protection regardless of religion, ethnicity or region. He said safeguarding lives and property was a constitutional responsibility of the government.

“Any government that can’t do that isn’t a responsible government and doesn’t deserve to be in power again,” he added.

He urged residents of Plateau State to support the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket and other candidates contesting on the NDC platform in the election.

Kwankwaso also called on supporters to mobilise and protect their votes, saying they had demonstrated their ability to do so in previous elections.