Secondus: El-Rufai Being Treated Like Prisoner Of War

A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, has raised concerns over the ongoing legal and security scrutiny of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, warning that the situation could raise serious questions about fairness, motive, and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

In a statement issued on Saturday night and signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ike Abonyi, Secondus acknowledged the constitutional roles of agencies such as the Department of State Services, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission. However, he noted that the outcomes of their investigations,when weighed against the level of scrutiny,have generated public unease.

Secondus observed that beyond the legal arguments, there is a growing perception in some quarters that the actions against El-Rufai may be linked to his outspoken views on national politics, particularly his position regarding the 2027 presidential ambitions of incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, such perceptions, whether accurate or not, must be taken seriously, as they risk creating the impression that dissenting political voices are being curtailed through legal mechanisms rather than being engaged within the democratic space.
“Democracy thrives when differing opinions are tolerated and accommodated within the framework of the law,” he said.

“Where actions of state institutions are seen as responses to strong political views, especially on issues as critical as future leadership, it raises concerns that must be addressed with clarity and transparency.”

He stressed that the strength of any democracy lies not only in its laws but also in the confidence citizens have in the neutrality of institutions responsible for enforcing them.

Secondus further called on the Federal Government to grant El-Rufai bail and ensure his unconditional release, warning that continued detention could reinforce perceptions of him as a prisoner of conscience being held to suppress opposition views.

He urged authorities to act in a manner that reassures Nigerians that no individual is targeted for expressing political opinions, noting that preserving open political engagement is essential for national stability and democratic progress.

While reaffirming respect for the rule of law, Secondus maintained that transparency and institutional independence remain critical in dispelling any notion that political considerations could overshadow judicial and investigative processes.