Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Federal Government and Kaduna State authorities to immediately release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing his ongoing detention as “cruel, unjustifiable, and deeply troubling,” especially as Muslims nationwide prepare for Eid Kabir celebrations.
In a strongly worded statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the detention as a disturbing assault on civil liberties, democratic principles, and the rule of law.
“At a time of spiritual reflection, sacrifice, mercy, and family reunion, it is unacceptable for any government to deny a citizen his liberty without clear and justifiable cause,” the statement read.
The former Vice President emphasized that El-Rufai, irrespective of political differences, remains a Nigerian citizen entitled to full constitutional protections, including the right to dignity, liberty, and due process.
“Mallam El-Rufai’s continued detention is politically provocative and inconsistent with the principles of justice, democracy, and basic human decency,” Shaibu quoted Atiku as saying.
Atiku warned that the situation points to the alleged weaponisation of state institutions against political opponents and raises serious concerns about shrinking democratic space in the country.
“Selective justice is injustice. The credibility of any democracy is measured not by how it treats its loyalists, but by how it treats perceived opponents,” the statement added.
Atiku called on the authorities to provide full transparency on the legal basis for El-Rufai’s detention. He argued that failure to do so would only heighten public fears of intolerance and authoritarian tendencies.
He appealed for El-Rufai’s unconditional release ahead of Eid Kabir, describing the period as one that should be marked by forgiveness and national cohesion rather than prolonged detention without due process.
The development comes amid ongoing political tensions and speculation about opposition dynamics ahead of future elections.
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