morgANABLE politics/Governance
El Rufai’s prolonged detention has sparked reactions from political figures, legal practitioners and civil society organisations, with renewed concerns about due process and the rule of law.
KaNo —
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, have intensified calls for the release of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as debates over his continued detention deepen political divisions across the country.
El-Rufai has remained in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission since February 2026 over allegations bordering on financial misconduct and the unlawful interception of telephone communications involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
His prolonged detention has sparked reactions from political figures, legal practitioners and civil society organisations, with renewed concerns about due process and the rule of law.
Speaking through his media aide, Idris Zekeri, Obi insisted that the former governor’s case must be handled strictly within the confines of the law.
He argued that no Nigerian should be subjected to prolonged detention without trial, stressing that allegations against El-Rufai should be proven in court rather than through extended incarceration.
Zekeri, during an interview with Punch News, said Obi had consistently raised concerns about the matter through public statements and engagements, noting that the former Anambra State governor believes strongly in the sanctity of due process.
“Peter Obi has been one of the most vocal since the issue of El-Rufai’s ordeal started. He has made tweets on it, and we still strongly believe that if there is any case against him, it should be established instead of detaining him unlawfully for an extended period without actually dealing with the issue,” Zekeri said.
He added that Obi had also addressed the issue during a press conference, reiterating his position that the justice system must not be undermined.
“We strongly believe that no Nigerian should be suffering extended detention without a charge and without his rights being respected,” he stated.
Despite the criticisms, the ICPC has maintained that El-Rufai’s detention followed due legal procedures and was backed by court orders.
The anti-graft agency insists that investigations are ongoing and that the former governor is being held in accordance with the law.
However, El-Rufai has challenged aspects of his detention and the proceedings against him.
At the Federal High Court in Abuja, the court recently reserved ruling on his no-case submission in the alleged wiretapping matter. The ruling has been fixed for October 26.
In a related development, his N1bn fundamental rights enforcement suit against the ICPC, the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation has been adjourned until October 27, further prolonging legal uncertainty around his case.
ADC Chieftain Condemns El-Rufai’s Prolonged Detention
Meanwhile, Momodu, who serves as the Deputy Director-General of the Atiku Presidential Campaign Council Media and Communications Directorate, criticised the continued detention of the former governor, describing it as unjust and politically motivated.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Momodu suggested that El-Rufai’s political relevance and past alliances may be influencing his current predicament.
“We can all see what he experienced in the hands of a government he helped to midwife. Without former President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha Buhari and Nasir El-Rufai, I am not sure President Bola Tinubu will be in office today,” he said.
He further alleged that political calculations ahead of future elections might be contributing to the situation, although he did not provide evidence to substantiate the claim.
“If that is the way they have chosen to treat him because someone desperately wanted a second term and believes that with Nasir around it might be difficult, God is the ultimate judge,” Momodu added.
The media entrepreneur also commended the African Democratic Congress for appointing El-Rufai to a role within its political structure despite his detention, describing the move as a recognition of his political standing.
“What the ADC has done is to, at least, dignify the man with an appointment. Whether he is able to attend to it or not is immaterial. But I am very happy that the ADC found it necessary to put him on that list,” he said.
Momodu also dismissed criticisms that El-Rufai pursued divisive politics while serving as Kaduna State governor, arguing that many of those now criticising him had previously supported his political activities.
“Barely four years ago, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai was busy campaigning for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Was he not in government then? Did they find him divisive at the time, or is it now that he is not in circulation? They just want to give a dog a bad name to hang it,” he said.
He added that while no individual is without fault, El-Rufai remains a formidable political figure in northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-West region, which he described as crucial in determining electoral outcomes.
“The majority of the votes will come from that direction, and that is why Nasir has become a prisoner of conscience,” Momodu said.
El-Rufai Paying Price For Misgovernance -Shehu Sani
Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, offered a contrasting perspective, asserting that El-Rufai’s current situation is a consequence of his actions while in office.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Sani said the former governor was “paying the price” for what he described as misgovernance and disregard for the rule of law during his tenure between 2015 and 2023.
Sani, who recalled his own experience as a pro-democracy activist detained for over four years, said he understood the hardship of incarceration but maintained that accountability must prevail.
“For someone like me, who has been in prison for four years, I don’t think anyone can lecture me on detention, on the pains of imprisonment,” he said.
He alleged that El-Rufai’s administration often ignored court orders and used state institutions to target critics, adding that the current situation should be viewed within that context.
Amid the political and legal debates, El-Rufai himself has adopted a conciliatory tone.
In a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” posted on his X handle, he said he harboured no resentment toward those who had failed to support him during his ordeal.
He noted that his actions over the years had been guided by his faith, upbringing and personal values rather than expectations of loyalty or reciprocity.
El-Rufai acknowledged that his current circumstances had prompted reflection on his relationships but emphasised that such reflection should not be interpreted as condemnation of others.
He also stated that he had no regrets about supporting individuals and causes he believed in, adding that he would not allow his experience to alter his principles.
On issues of perceived injustice or betrayal, the former governor said he would not seek revenge, underscoring his commitment to maintaining his values despite the challenges.
As legal proceedings continue and political tensions persist, the case has become a focal point in broader conversations about justice, accountability and political power in Nigeria.
