Atiku Abubakar's media aide, Paul Ibe, labels former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai a political prisoner, alleging unequal application of law.
The camp of Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, has voiced strong opposition to the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. As of September 4, 2026, El-Rufai has spent 200 days in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Paul Ibe, media aide to Atiku, issued a statement condemning the prolonged detention. He asserted that El-Rufai is entitled to justice, due process, and equal treatment under Nigerian law, describing him as a "political prisoner."
Ibe’s statement alleges that El-Rufai's detention stems from his decision to pursue a "different political path," which is a right enshrined in Nigeria's Constitution. This development has sparked a wider debate on the fairness of legal proceedings against opposition figures, according to reporting by Daily Post Nigeria.
El-Rufai's Detention and Calls for Due Process
The former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been held for 200 days by the ICPC, a duration that has drawn sharp criticism from Atiku Abubakar's political camp. Paul Ibe emphasized that El-Rufai is not seeking immunity from investigation but demands fairness.
Ibe's statement was unequivocal: "Two hundred days! That’s how long Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has spent in detention as at today, 04 September 2026." He further stressed, "By the way, he is not asking for immunity from investigation. He is entitled to justice, due process and equal treatment under the law."
Allegations of Unequal Application of Law in Nigerian Politics
Atiku's media aide highlighted what he views as a troubling disparity in how the law is applied to political figures. He pointed to the case of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who remains politically active and secured a senatorial ticket despite facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ibe questioned, "But Nigerians have every right to ask: why does the law appear so aggressive against opposition politicians and so accommodating to politicians in the ruling APC?" He alleged that state institutions, including the police, EFCC, ICPC, and even elements of the judiciary, have become tools of pressure against opposition figures as the 2027 elections approach.
The statement claimed, "The pattern is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: police, EFCC, ICPC and other state institutions, including a rogue element of the judiciary, have ‘Emilokanised’ into instruments of pressure against opposition figures as 2027 approaches."
Democracy at Risk: Opposition and the 2027 Elections
The ADC camp warned that using state power to silence opposition could undermine Nigerian democracy. Ibe argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should campaign on its governance record, rather than employing intimidation tactics against political rivals.
"If the APC believes Nigerians love its record of hunger, inflation, high fuel and electricity prices, high cost of living and crushing poverty, let it campaign on that record," Ibe stated. He added, "If Tinubu believes he deserves another mandate, let him earn it at the ballot box and not with a gun to the heads of the opposition leaders and the citizens they seek to govern."
The statement concluded with a stark warning about the future of fair elections: "The opposition should be defeated by voters—not detained, intimidated or buried under endless litigation." Ibe emphasized, "If state power is used to clear the political field before Nigerians get to vote, then the greatest casualty will not be the opposition. It will be Nigerian democracy."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nasir El-Rufai?
Nasir El-Rufai is the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nigeria. He is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
How long has Nasir El-Rufai been detained?
As of September 4, 2026, Nasir El-Rufai has been in detention for 200 days. This information was highlighted in a statement from Atiku Abubakar's media aide, Paul Ibe.
Why is Atiku Abubakar's camp concerned about El-Rufai's detention?
Atiku Abubakar's camp, through his media aide Paul Ibe, believes El-Rufai is a "political prisoner" being unfairly targeted for his political choices. They allege a pattern of state institutions being used to pressure opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
What comparison does Atiku's camp draw regarding legal treatment?
Paul Ibe cited the case of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who is politically active and secured a senatorial ticket despite facing prosecution by the EFCC, contrasting it with El-Rufai's prolonged detention and alleged unequal treatment.
What is the significance of the 2027 elections in this context?
The 2027 elections are central to the concerns raised, as Atiku's camp suggests that El-Rufai's detention is part of a broader strategy to weaken opposition and clear the political field before Nigerians have the chance to vote.