Former Vice President of Nigeria and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has issued a strong call for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and all other political detainees held by the Federal Government.
In a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Atiku warned the administration of President Bola Tinubu against detaining individuals based on political ideology or affiliation, describing such actions as a threat to democratic principles.
The former presidential candidate made the demand following a solidarity visit to the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, who is also facing prosecution by anti-corruption agencies.
"No one should be detained simply because they do not share the same ideology or political platform with the government of the day," Atiku wrote, emphasizing that democratic governance must be anchored on respect for fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and political association.
El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 19, 2026, following an investigation into alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023. He had initially presented himself voluntarily to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, before being transferred to ICPC custody.
The former governor is also linked to a separate investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding allegations of telephone interception involving the National Security Adviser. Critics have labeled these legal proceedings a "political witch-hunt" targeting opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku expressed grave concern over El-Rufai's health and welfare during his detention. Reports indicate that the former governor suffered an overnight nosebleed while in custody, and his legal team has faced difficulties accessing him.
"The Federal Government should clarify which agency the EFCC, the ICPC, the DSS, or any other security body is currently holding him," Atiku stated last month. "Secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion. Nigerians deserve transparency."
He further warned that the government would be held accountable if anything happened to El-Rufai, stressing that whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional duty to guarantee his safety, dignity, access to medical care, and access to family members and legal representatives .
Atiku's solidarity visit to Malami comes as the former Attorney General faces multiple charges, including an ₦8.7 billion fraud and money laundering case, as well as separate allegations of terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession . His trial is scheduled to continue on April 20, 2026.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), which both Atiku and El-Rufai are now affiliated with, has accused the Tinubu administration of applying "selective justice" and described the continued detention of opposition figures as a "dangerous descent into lawlessness."
Atiku reiterated his demand that anti-corruption efforts must not be used as a political tool, adding that justice must be transparent, even-handed, and free of political bias.
"If the government cannot guarantee his fundamental rights, he should be granted bail without delay," Atiku stated, referring to El-Rufai's prolonged detention without formal arraignment.
The former Vice President's call adds to growing voices within the political opposition demanding an end to what they describe as the weaponization of state institutions against political opponents. Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has similarly raised concerns about the persecution of political opponents disguised as criminal prosecution.
The Federal Government has consistently maintained that its actions are guided by the rule of law and not driven by political considerations . However, opposition parties and civil society organizations have continued to express alarm over what they perceive as a troubling trend of political detentions.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Presidency or the ICPC regarding Atiku's latest call for El-Rufai's release.