Former Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has clarified why he declined to respond to questions from investigators, stating that his decision was intentional and rooted in his conviction that the investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission is politically driven.
In written replies submitted to ICPC officials, El-Rufai described his refusal to answer questions as both an exercise of his constitutional right and a form of protest against what he considers a politically influenced inquiry.
He maintained that he would only address any accusations before a competent court of law.
His stance was outlined in two handwritten statements made under caution on 19 and 20 February 2026 while he was in ICPC custody, in the presence of his legal counsel, Ubong E. Akpan.
The former governor could regain his liberty on Thursday if the ICPC does not formally charge him before the expiration of the remand order secured by the agency. The anti-corruption body had obtained a 14-day detention warrant from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, which is set to expire on March 5, 2026.
In his first statement dated 19 February, El-Rufai wrote in full: “I have read the above cautionary statement and I understand its meaning and implication. I wish to voluntarily state, in the presence of my lawyer, Ubong Akpan, Esq., from the chambers of Ubong Akpan. My name is Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai. I was born in Dandawa, Katsina State, in 1960, and grew up mostly in Kaduna State.
“I attended school in Kaduna, and went to Ahmadu Bello University from my first degree in Quantity Surveying. I also attended Harvard university and the University of London, among others. I studied Business Administration, Public Administration and Law, Public Administration and Law.
“My working career spans quantity surveying consulting, mobile telecommunications and public service. I was Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (1999–2003), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003–2007) and twice- elected Governor of Kaduna State (2015–2023). I am retired and live mostly in Egypt with half of my family and 96-year-old mother.
“I am a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the only surviving opposition party in Nigeria, which is the real reason you are investigating me.
“In response to your question (and indeed all your questions), I have, on the advice of counsel, decided to exercise my right to silence. I will make no further statement or respond to any question. I believe that after nearly two years of intensive investigation, the ICPC should present its findings to a judicial tribunal and not to me. I will respond to any allegations in a court of law only.
“This is because I do not believe these investigations amount to lawful entitlement, as in political persecution, which only a judge can decide upon. Thank you.”
In a subsequent statement dated 20 February 2026, he reaffirmed his earlier position, writing, “In furtherance to my statement dated 19 February, 2026 and in the presence of my lawyer Ubong E. Akpan, I wish to state further that upon presentation of further documents and questions, I reserve my constitutional right to silence to all the documents and further questions. As clearly stated in my statement dated 19 February 2026, I will respond to these documents and questions only when presented in a Court of Law.”
El-Rufai’s insistence on remaining silent underscores his broader claim that the probe is not grounded in impartial law enforcement but in political considerations. With the detention order nearing its expiration, attention now turns to whether the anti-graft agency will initiate formal charges or allow the remand period to lapse without further action.
What you should know
Nasir El-Rufai has declined to answer questions from the ICPC, citing his constitutional right to silence and alleging that the investigation is politically motivated.
He insists he will only respond to allegations in court. The ICPC secured a 14-day remand order that expires on March 5, 2026, and if no charges are filed before then, he may regain his freedom.
The case has heightened political tensions and drawn national attention over claims of persecution and due process.
