Atiku Abubakar Demands Release of El-Rufai from Detention

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, condemned the ongoing detention of Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, by President Bola Tinubu's administration. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described El-Rufai's detention as cruel and unjustified, particularly concerning the upcoming Eid al-Kabir celebrations.

He expressed concern that this situation undermines civil liberties and democratic values, especially as millions of Muslims in Nigeria prepare for the holiday. Atiku emphasized that El-Rufai, despite political disagreements, remains a Nigerian citizen entitled to constitutional rights, including dignity, liberty, and due process.

He warned that selective justice could further erode democracy in Nigeria, stressing that the treatment of perceived political opponents should not be influenced by loyalty or support. The statement also referenced El-Rufai's current custody related to allegations of corruption, with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) involved in the matter.