Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Monday called on the Federal Government to release former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and other alleged political detainees.
In a message shared via his X handle, Atiku said the call followed his return to Nigeria from Umrah, noting that 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 authorities to immediately release El-Rufai and others, stressing that no individual should be detained on the basis of political differences or ideological disagreements with the government in power.
Atiku added that democratic governance must be anchored on 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.”
DAILY POST reports that the call comes amid growing 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 consistently maintained that its actions are guided by the rule of law and not driven by political considerations.
Release El-Rufai now — Atiku sends strong message to Tinubu’s govt
