Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately release former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described El-Rufai’s continued detention as cruel, unjustifiable and disturbing, especially as Muslims across the country prepare for the Eid al-Kabir celebration.
He said the development represents a worrying attack on civil liberties, democratic values and the rule of law, while also raising concerns about the use of state institutions to target perceived political opponents.
According to Atiku, the treatment of El-Rufai under the current administration is politically provocative and inconsistent with the principles of justice, democracy and fairness.
“At a time when millions of Muslims in Nigeria and around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Kabir, a season associated with sacrifice, compassion, forgiveness and family unity, it is unacceptable for any government to deny a citizen his freedom without just cause, particularly under circumstances that suggest political persecution,” the statement read.
He added that regardless of political disagreements or alliances, El-Rufai remains a Nigerian citizen entitled to constitutional rights, including dignity, liberty and due process.
Atiku further warned that selective justice undermines democracy, stressing that the strength of any democratic system is measured by how it treats perceived opponents, not loyal supporters.
Recall that El-Rufai is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Although he applied for bail after being arraigned, the anti-graft agency opposed the request in court.
