Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has thanked opposition figures including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Kwankwaso for checking on his family while his father, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, remains in detention.
Bello made the disclosure in a recent video statement in which he singled out Peter Obi for repeatedly calling to ask about his father’s condition despite their past political differences. His comments have since attracted discussion on social media about political differences and personal relationships.
Key Highlights
- Bello El-Rufai thanked Peter Obi for repeatedly checking on his detained father.
- He also acknowledged calls from Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
- Bello said Peter Obi’s concern was particularly significant to him because he had previously been critical of the former Anambra governor.
- Nasir El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 2026 in connection with an ongoing investigation.
- Peter Obi previously criticised El-Rufai’s detention, describing it as “political persecution.”
- The remarks have generated reactions on X, with users discussing whether personal relationships can transcend political differences.
Bello El-Rufai Praises Peter Obi’s Concern
Bello said several politicians contacted him to ask about his father’s condition during the period of detention.
“Politicians like Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Kwankwaso and others called me to ask about my dad,” he said.
He then singled out Peter Obi for particular appreciation.
“I would like to thank them, particularly Mr Peter Obi. He always called me to ask about my dad,” Bello said.
According to the lawmaker, the experience had become a personal lesson for him because of his previous criticism of Obi.
“And for me, at 38, it’s a lesson in life because, in the case of Obi, I used to be critical of him,” he added.
Bello’s comments place the interaction in the context of Nigeria’s often sharply divided political environment, where politicians and supporters frequently disagree over elections, policies and political affiliations.
Atiku, Amaechi And Kwankwaso Also Checked On El-Rufai
Bello also acknowledged calls from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
He described their calls as an example of personal concern that extended beyond political disagreements.
The comments come as opposition politicians continue to engage with one another ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 political cycle, although Bello’s statement focused on his family’s experience rather than political negotiations.
Nasir El-Rufai Remains In ICPC Custody
Nasir El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 2026.
The ICPC confirmed on February 19 that the former Kaduna governor was in its custody in connection with an ongoing investigation. The Commission later told the Federal Capital Territory High Court that it was investigating allegations relating to financial misconduct during his tenure as Kaduna governor from 2015 to 2023.
The ICPC also stated that a court-authorised remand order allowed it to keep El-Rufai in custody while investigations continued. In March, the Commission said the remand had been authorised by a court and that it was following the court-mandated process.
The allegations remain subject to legal proceedings, and the ICPC has maintained that the investigation should be allowed to proceed through the legal process.
Peter Obi Previously Criticised El-Rufai’s Detention
Peter Obi had earlier spoken publicly about El-Rufai’s detention.
In March 2026, Obi described the detention as “political persecution” and argued that people should be treated with dignity until they are found guilty.
Bello’s latest comments therefore come against the backdrop of Obi’s earlier public position on his father’s detention.
Read also:
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- 2027: Atiku Names El-Rufai Deputy Chairman Of ADC Campaign Council
- Defence Minister Musa Accuses El-Rufai of Deliberate Southern Kaduna Killings
Social Media Reacts To Bello’s Comments
Bello’s remarks have circulated widely on X, with several users focusing on his description of Peter Obi’s repeated calls.
Some users praised Obi’s decision to maintain contact with Bello despite their previous political disagreements.
One post reacting to the video said: “Repay them with love is truly Mr Peter Obi’s mantra,” while another described the development as an example of personal relationships extending beyond political differences.
Other reactions focused on the political history between supporters of Obi and the El-Rufai family, particularly during the 2023 presidential election.
The discussion has largely centred on whether political disagreements should affect personal relationships during difficult circumstances.
Bello El-Rufai’s Message
Bello’s disclosure provides a personal account of how several prominent politicians responded to his family’s situation while his father remained in detention.
His particular appreciation for Peter Obi has also drawn attention because Bello openly acknowledged that he had previously criticised the former Anambra governor.
The comments offer another example of how political relationships in Nigeria can coexist with personal interactions that cross party and ideological lines.
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