Kenneth Okonkwo Claims El-Rufai Faces Political Persecution

Kenneth Okonkwo, who previously served as the spokesperson for the Labour Party presidential campaign council, has asserted that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is facing persecution due to his political affiliations. Speaking on a breakfast program on Friday, Okonkwo criticized the ongoing detention of El-Rufai, calling for his immediate release.

He argued that authorities do not have the power to keep a suspect in custody without granting bail, as per security agency protocols. Okonkwo emphasized that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, stating that mere accusations do not justify arrest.

He maintained that legal proceedings should continue, and the courts should determine guilt. Okonkwo also alleged that El-Rufai is being targeted due to his association with the African Democratic Congress and described the detention order as unconstitutional.

When questioned about the involvement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Okonkwo referred to the independence of agencies dealing with corruption and economic crimes.