ABUJA: Atiku Abubakar has called on federal authorities and the Kaduna State Government to release Nasir El-Rufai before the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, describing his continued detention as unjust, politically provocative and inconsistent with democratic principles.
In a statement released on Friday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said detaining El-Rufai during a sacred Muslim festival was an act that contradicted the spirit of mercy, compassion and family reunion associated with Eid-el-Kabir.
According to the former vice president, it is unacceptable for any government to use state institutions in a way that deprives a citizen of liberty without clear justification, particularly when there are growing concerns that the matter may be politically motivated.
He said Eid is a period for forgiveness and reconciliation, stressing that there was no reason to keep El-Rufai away from his family at such a solemn occasion if due process had not been transparently demonstrated.
Atiku maintained that regardless of political disagreements or shifting alliances, El-Rufai remains entitled to the full protection of the Nigerian Constitution, including the rights to dignity, liberty and fair hearing.
He warned that democracy loses credibility when governments appear to use coercive institutions to intimidate perceived opponents or settle political scores.
He further urged the Federal Government and Kaduna authorities to rise above political bitterness and ensure that justice is seen to be done.
According to him, the true test of democracy is not in how leaders treat loyalists, but in how fairly they treat their critics and rivals.
The call comes one week after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission announced that a Federal High Court in Kaduna granted El-Rufai access to medical treatment while in custody.
El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Joel Adoga, are currently standing trial before the Federal High Court in Kaduna over a 10-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, possession and conversion of proceeds of corruption under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Both men have pleaded not guilty.
Atiku’s intervention has further heightened political debate over the former Kaduna governor’s prosecution, with supporters insisting that due process must be upheld while critics argue that the law should take its full course without political interference.
