Coalition Demands Charges or Release for El-Rufai

The Coalition of Political Action Committees (COPAC) has issued a statement demanding that the Nigerian federal government either file formal charges against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai or release him immediately. COPAC warns that El-Rufai's continued detention beyond the legally permitted period violates Nigeria's constitution and international human rights laws.

The coalition convened in Abuja on a Sunday, emphasizing that the government must adhere to the rule of law and not suspend political conventions. El-Rufai was invited to honor an economic and financial crime commission on February 16 and remained in custody until the night of February 18.

COPAC stresses that the detention should be strictly temporary and within a reasonable timeframe, leading to either formal charges or immediate release. They highlight the troubling trend of state institutions using investigative powers against political figures, raising concerns about the timing and motivations behind such actions.

COPAC calls on opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, to speak out against the harassment and intimidation of political opponents.