Atiku Calls For Release Of El-Rufai, Other “Political Detainees”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on authorities to release former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and other individuals he described as political detainees, warning against the suppression of dissenting voices in a democratic society.

In a statement on X issued shortly after his return to Nigeria from the holy pilgrimage of Umrah in Saudi Arabia, Atiku revealed that he had led a delegation on a solidarity visit to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN). The visit, he said, was part of broader consultations on the state of democracy and rule of law in the country.

Atiku expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of detaining individuals based on political differences, stressing that no citizen should be deprived of their liberty simply for holding opposing views or belonging to a different political platform.

“I wish to serve notice to the authorities detaining Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and all other political detainees to release them henceforth,” he said. “Democracy thrives on tolerance, dialogue, and respect for the rule of law—not intimidation or repression.”

He further warned that actions perceived as politically motivated could erode public trust in democratic institutions and deepen divisions within the country.

The former vice president urged the government to uphold constitutional rights and ensure that all detentions strictly adhere to due process, emphasizing that justice must be applied fairly and without bias.

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