Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to release former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El Rufai, along with other individuals he described as political detainees.
In a message shared via his X handle on Monday, Atiku said the appeal followed his return to Nigeria from Umrah, where he had led a delegation on a solidarity visit to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
He urged the authorities to release El Rufai and others without delay, emphasizing that no individual should be detained due to political differences or ideological disagreements with the government in power.
Atiku also stressed that democratic governance must be rooted in respect for fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and political association.
Atiku wrote: “Following my return to the country on Saturday night from Umrah (lesser Hajj), I led a delegation on a solidarity visit to the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN. I wish to serve notice to the authorities detaining former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, @elrufai, and all other political detainees to release them henceforth. No one should be detained simply because they do not share the same ideology or political platform with the government of the day.”
The call comes amid concerns in some political circles over alleged harassment and detention of opposition figures under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
However, the Federal Government has maintained that its actions are guided by the rule of law and not influenced by political considerations.
