Atiku Abubakar calls for Nasir El-Rufai’s release ahead of Eid-el-Kabir, urging respect for due process and democratic rights
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government and Kaduna State Government to release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, describing his continued detention as unjust and politically troubling.
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Atiku El-Rufai detention call was made in a statement issued on Friday through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, where he argued that holding El-Rufai during a major religious period raises serious concerns about fairness, civil liberties, and respect for democratic principles.
The former vice president cautioned against what he described as the use of state institutions to target perceived political opponents, insisting that democracy must be guided strictly by the rule of law and due process.
He noted that Eid-el-Kabir represents a season of compassion, reconciliation, and family unity, arguing that it would be inappropriate to prevent any citizen from spending the period with family without clear justification.
Atiku further stated that if El-Rufai’s detention is linked to legal proceedings, authorities must ensure full transparency and adherence to constitutional safeguards.
He stressed that every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, is entitled to fundamental rights including liberty, dignity, and fair hearing.
The former vice president also warned that selective justice could undermine public trust in democratic institutions and weaken confidence in governance structures.
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His remarks come amid ongoing legal proceedings involving El-Rufai and co-defendant Joel Adoga before the Federal High Court in Kaduna over allegations bordering on money laundering and related offences.
