Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government to immediately release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El Rufai before the Eid el Kabir celebrations.
In a statement released on Friday through his media aide Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described El Rufai’s continued detention as unfair, disturbing and politically sensitive. He said keeping the former governor in custody during one of the most important Islamic celebrations raises serious concerns about justice, human rights and democratic values in the country.
According to Atiku, Eid el Kabir is a sacred period that promotes forgiveness, compassion, peace and family togetherness. He argued that no citizen should be separated from loved ones during such a time without strong legal justification and full transparency from the authorities.
The former vice president warned against what he called the growing use of government institutions to intimidate or silence political opponents. He stressed that democracy can only survive when leaders respect the rule of law, due process and the constitutional rights of every citizen regardless of political differences.
Atiku stated that if El Rufai’s detention is truly connected to legal proceedings, the government must openly provide clear facts and allow the judicial process to remain transparent and fair. He insisted that every Nigerian, including political figures, deserves protection under the constitution, including the right to liberty, dignity and fair hearing.
Speaking further, Atiku warned that selective justice could damage public trust in democratic institutions and weaken confidence in the country’s legal system. He said the true strength of any democracy is revealed in how it treats critics and perceived opponents, not only loyal supporters.
“At a time when millions of Muslims are preparing for Eid el Kabir, it would be wrong to use state power in a way that keeps a citizen away from his family under circumstances that raise fears of political persecution,” Atiku said.
His reaction comes as El Rufai and his co defendant Joel Adoga continue to face trial before the Federal High Court in Kaduna over allegations linked to money laundering, possession of proceeds of corruption and other related offences.
