Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on federal authorities and the Kaduna State Government to immediately release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing his continued detention as an attack on civil liberties and democratic principles.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku condemned the development, particularly as Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the Eid al-Adha celebrations.
According to the statement, El-Rufai’s detention is “deeply troubling, politically provocative, and wholly inconsistent with the principles of justice, democracy, and basic human decency.”
Atiku accused the Federal Government of using state institutions to intimidate perceived political opponents, warning against what he described as growing authoritarian tendencies.
“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,” the statement read.
He stressed that regardless of political differences, El-Rufai remains entitled to constitutional protections, including liberty, dignity, 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 stated.
The former vice-president also demanded transparency from authorities if any legitimate legal process exists against El-Rufai.
“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 said.
Atiku further argued that the Eid season should represent mercy, reconciliation, and compassion, insisting there was no justification for keeping the former governor away from his family during the religious period.
He therefore called for El-Rufai’s immediate release, urging authorities to prioritise justice, peace, and national unity above political disagreements.
