Atiku Abubakar Works to Secure El-Rufai's Release

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has announced efforts to secure the release of Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna state, who is currently detained. Atiku stated that his team has been in contact with El-Rufai and is providing support to his family during his legal challenges with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai is facing prosecution in the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegations of abuse of office, financial impropriety, and fraud from his tenure as governor. He has denied any wrongdoing and has filed a N10 billion lawsuit against the ICPC, claiming restrictions on his access to family members while in custody.

The suit, filed by his lawyer Ubong Akpan on August 13, 2026, seeks nine reliefs, including affirmations of his constitutional rights despite his detention. El-Rufai alleges that he has been denied visits from his wife and son, which he claims breaches his rights.