Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to immediately release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Atiku described El-Rufai’s continued detention as unjust, politically motivated, and capable of worsening concerns about political intolerance and abuse of power in Nigeria.
Key Highlights
- Atiku Abubakar demands immediate release of Nasir El-Rufai before Eid-el-Kabir.
- Former vice president accuses Tinubu administration of political persecution.
- Says El-Rufai’s detention without transparent legal process is unjustifiable.
- Warns against the use of state power to intimidate political opponents.
- Calls for justice, reconciliation, and respect for constitutional rights.
In a statement issued on Friday through his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said it was unacceptable to keep El-Rufai away from his family during a major religious celebration without clear evidence that due legal procedures had been followed.
Read Also:
- Zoning not self-defeating, but Atiku’s self-denial, says ex-VON boss
- ADC releases receipt of Atiku’s ₦90m payment for presidential nomination form
- Atiku’s son declares for Adamawa South Senate seat under ADC
The former vice president argued that democracy should not be weaponised to silence critics or settle political disputes, insisting that every Nigerian deserves fairness, dignity, and constitutional protection regardless of political affiliation.
According to Atiku, if there are legitimate allegations against El-Rufai, the authorities should openly present the charges before the public and allow the legal process to take its course transparently.
He warned that failing to do so could strengthen fears that Nigeria is drifting toward political intolerance and authoritarian tendencies under the current administration.
Atiku further urged both the Federal Government and Kaduna State authorities to rise above political differences and demonstrate commitment to justice, peace, and national unity by releasing El-Rufai ahead of the Sallah celebration.
