Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to immediately release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai ahead of the Eid al-Kabir celebrations.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described El-Rufai’s continued detention as “cruel, unjustifiable, and deeply troubling,” warning that it raises serious concerns about political persecution and abuse of state power.
According to Atiku, democracy should never be used as a tool to intimidate political opponents or settle political scores. He stressed that regardless of political differences, El-Rufai remains entitled to his constitutional rights, including liberty, dignity, and due process.
The former Vice President also argued that keeping El-Rufai away from his family during the Sallah period contradicts the spirit of compassion, reconciliation, and mercy associated with the Islamic celebration. He urged the Federal Government and Kaduna State authorities to act in the interest of justice, peace, and national unity.
Atiku further demanded transparency from authorities if El-Rufai is being held under any legitimate legal process, insisting that selective justice could damage public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
The development has intensified political conversations nationwide as tensions continue to rise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
