Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, to secure the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Atiku condemned El-Rufai’s continued detention, describing it as unjust, provocative and insensitive, particularly as Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the Eid al-Kabir celebration.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president expressed deep concern over what he described as the misuse of state institutions to suppress perceived political opponents.
He characterised El-Rufai’s detention as “deeply troubling, politically provocative, and wholly inconsistent with the principles of justice, democracy, and basic human decency.”
According to Atiku, the timing of the detention raises serious moral and constitutional questions, especially during a season traditionally associated with sacrifice, mercy, reconciliation and family togetherness.
“At a time when millions of Muslims across Nigeria and around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid Kabir—a sacred season of sacrifice, compassion, forgiveness, and family reunion—it would be unconscionable for any government to weaponise state power in a manner that denies a citizen his liberty without just cause, particularly in circumstances that raise legitimate concerns about political persecution.
“Mallam El-Rufai, regardless of political differences or shifting alliances, remains a Nigerian citizen entitled to the full protection of the Constitution, including his rights to dignity, liberty, and due process.
“Democracy does not grant the government the licence to punish dissent, settle political scores, or deploy coercive institutions as instruments of intimidation.”
Atiku further warned that the selective application of justice weakens democratic institutions and damages public confidence in governance.
“The Federal Government and the Kaduna State authorities must understand that selective justice is injustice. The credibility of any democracy is measured not by how it treats loyalists, but by how it treats perceived opponents.
“If Mallam El-Rufai is being held on the basis of any legitimate legal process, the authorities owe Nigerians full transparency. If not, then his continued detention can only reinforce growing fears that our democracy is sliding dangerously toward intolerance and authoritarian excess.”
He also stressed that Eid al-Kabir should serve as a period of compassion and healing, arguing that keeping El-Rufai away from his family during such an important religious observance without clear legal justification is unacceptable.
“Eid is a time for mercy, reconciliation, and humanity. There is absolutely no justification for keeping a man away from his family during such a solemn and spiritually significant occasion, especially where due process has not been clearly demonstrated.
“Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar therefore calls for the immediate release of Mallam El-Rufai and urges all relevant authorities to rise above political bitterness and act in the interest of justice, peace, and national cohesion,” the statement added.
What You Should Know
Atiku Abubakar’s intervention has added fresh political weight to concerns surrounding Nasir El-Rufai’s detention.
By framing the issue as one of constitutional rights and democratic accountability, Atiku is positioning the matter beyond partisan politics and into the broader conversation about civil liberties in Nigeria. His statement also reflects growing opposition scrutiny of the current administration’s handling of dissent and political disagreements.
With Eid al-Kabir approaching, the timing of the appeal increases public pressure on both federal and Kaduna State authorities to clarify the legal basis of El-Rufai’s detention or facilitate his immediate release in line with due process.
