Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing it as politically driven and harmful to democratic values. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting of the African Democratic Congress in Kaduna, Obi said the situation raises concerns about respect for the rule of law and due process.
He insisted that individuals should be treated fairly until proven guilty, questioning why El-Rufai, who reportedly returned to the country voluntarily, was handled as though he were evading authorities. Obi urged that legal procedures be allowed to take their full course.
El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission since February 18, after being transferred from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.
In a related development, the Department of State Services has filed cybercrime charges against him, with a court hearing set for April 23, 2026. El-Rufai has, however, challenged his detention, accusing security agencies of overreach and unlawful imprisonment, while his legal team and family continue to demand his release.
The case has fueled ongoing debate within political circles, raising broader concerns about its impact on Nigeria’s justice system and the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections.
