Atiku calls for El-Rufai’s release, meets Malami in solidarity

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to immediately release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, warning that no Nigerian should be held in detention on account of political differences or ideological opposition to the government in power.

Atiku made the call in a message shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, disclosing that it followed his return to Nigeria from Umrah, the lesser Hajj on Saturday night, after which he led a delegation on a solidarity visit to former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

He urged authorities to immediately release El-Rufai and other alleged political detainees, stressing that no individual should be held on the basis of political differences or ideological disagreements with the government in power. Atiku added that democratic governance must be anchored on respect for fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and political association.

The visit to Malami comes after the former minister’s own turbulent experience in custody. Malami, alongside his wife Bashir Asabe and son Abdulaziz, is facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The former minister, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was initially remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre before being rearrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on January 19 shortly after his first release. He had previously accused the DSS of denying him access to his family and legal team while in custody.

Following his eventual release on bail, Malami expressed profound gratitude to his family, friends, political associates, and well-meaning Nigerians who stood by him. He acknowledged several political figures for their support, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Aminu Tambuwal, among others, describing their interventions as courageous and principled.

El-Rufai’s detention has drawn widespread condemnation from opposition figures and civil society groups. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), El-Rufai’s party, has demanded his immediate release or prompt arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction, warning that the handling of the matter raises serious questions about the rule of law and human rights under the Tinubu administration.

A coalition of opposition groups, COPAC, also warned in a statement that the Federal Government cannot suspend the rule of law for political convenience, insisting that if credible evidence exists, authorities must file charges promptly in open court or release the detainees without delay.

This is not the first time Atiku has publicly expressed solidarity with El-Rufai. In February, the former Vice President paid a personal solidarity visit to El-Rufai following a reported failed attempt by security operatives to arrest the ex-governor at an airport upon his return to Nigeria. At the time, El-Rufai told Atiku that the incident had strengthened his resolve, vowing that the opposition must remain determined ahead of the 2027 general elections.

El-Rufai’s case is next scheduled to be heard on March 31, according to reports from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is handling charges against him.