Obi, Momodu call for El-Rufai's release after months in custody

Opposition politicians Peter Obi and Dele Momodu have renewed demands for the release of Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, who has remained in detention since February. Speaking through his media representative Idris Zekeri, Obi has consistently emphasized that any charges against El-Rufai should proceed through established legal channels rather than indefinite custody.

Momodu, a senior figure in the African Democratic Congress, joined these calls, signaling broader political concern over the detention's length. Obi's position centres on procedural concerns.

According to his spokesman, the former Anambra State governor argues that the court system should formally establish specific allegations against El-Rufai instead of prolonged incarceration without clear charges. This framing positions the issue as one of institutional process rather than El-Rufai's innocence or guilt.

The detention has drawn contrasting reactions. Former Senator Shehu Sani of Kaduna Central offered a starkly different perspective, arguing that El-Rufai's current circumstances reflect consequences of his tenure as governor.

During a television interview, Sani referenced alleged misconduct during El-Rufai's administration, including the detention of journalists and community figures. Sani emphasised that public officials should recognise power's temporary nature and the accountability that can follow leaving office.

Sani acknowledged understanding the hardship of prolonged detention but framed El-Rufai's situation as stemming from governance decisions made while in power. The former senator noted that losing political office often means losing protective networks and facing scrutiny previously avoided.