Atiku's Camp Opposes El-Rufai's 200-Day Detention

The camp of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has expressed strong opposition to the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who has been in custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for 200 days as of September 4, 2026. Paul Ibe, Atiku's media aide, stated that El-Rufai is entitled to justice, due process, and equal treatment under the law, labeling him a political prisoner.

Ibe criticized the perceived disparity in treatment between opposition politicians and those in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello's ongoing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) while remaining politically active. He argued that the use of state institutions to pressure opposition figures undermines democracy, asserting that elections should be free and competitive rather than influenced by intimidation or legal challenges.