Atiku Urges El‑Rufai’s Immediate Release Before Eid, Calling It a Political Vendetta.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged both the federal and Kaduna State authorities to release former Kaduna governor Mallam Nasir el‑Rufai, condemning his ongoing detention, especially as Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the Eid Kabir festival.

He described the situation as cruel, unjustifiable, and deeply troubling, arguing that it constitutes an assault on civil liberties, democratic decency and the rule of law, and raises serious concerns about the use of state power to intimidate alleged political opponents.

The remarks were released through a statement by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, who said the continued detention of el‑Rufai is politically provocative and inconsistent with justice, democracy and basic human decency.

“At a time when millions of Muslims in Nigeria and worldwide are preparing to celebrate Eid Kabir—a season of sacrifice, compassion, forgiveness and family reunion—it would be unconscionable for any government to weaponise state power to deny a citizen liberty without just cause, particularly when there are legitimate concerns of political persecution,” Atiku said.

He added that el‑Rufai, regardless of political differences or changing alliances, is a Nigerian citizen entitled to full constitutional protection, including dignity, liberty and due process.

“Democracy does not grant the government a licence to punish dissent, settle political scores or use coercive institutions as tools of intimidation,” he continued.

Atiku urged the federal and Kaduna authorities to recognize that selective justice is injustice, noting that a democracy’s credibility is judged by its treatment of perceived opponents rather than loyalists.

“If el‑Rufai is detained under a legitimate legal process, authorities must provide full transparency to Nigerians; otherwise, continued detention would only heighten fears that the democracy is sliding toward intolerance and authoritarian excess,” he said.

Eid is a time for mercy, reconciliation and humanity, and there is no justification for keeping a person away from his family during such a solemn occasion, especially when due process has not been clearly demonstrated.

Former Vice President Atiku therefore calls for the immediate release of el‑Rufai and urges all relevant authorities to rise above political bitterness and act in the interests of justice, peace and national cohesion.