‘If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable’—Atiku Abubakar

Africa, Politics

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): Former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed grave concern over the reported deteriorating health of former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

El-Rufai has been in detention since Monday, February 16, 2026, after reporting to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Atiku, a presidential aspirant, urged the Federal Government to clarify which agency is holding El-Rufai, citing uncertainty over whether he is in the custody of the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the State Security Service (SSS), or another security body.

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“The government must end the secrecy surrounding his detention, which only fuels suspicion,” Atiku said. “Whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional duty to guarantee his safety, dignity, access to medical care, and access to his family and legal representatives.”

He condemned reports that El-Rufai has suffered nosebleeds while family members were allegedly denied access to him. “This is unacceptable in a democracy. If the authorities cannot guarantee his health and fundamental rights, the lawful and humane course of action is to grant him bail without delay. If anything happens to El-Rufai, this government will be held accountable.”

Atiku also criticized what he described as “selective prosecution,” warning that anti-corruption efforts risk losing credibility if they appear partisan. “Justice must be transparent. Accountability must be even-handed. And the rule of law must apply to all—without fear, without favour, and without political bias,” he added.

Meanwhile, El-Rufai’s media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, issued a statement confirming that the former governor is unwell and bleeding in detention. He noted that the courts are scheduled to hear two matters concerning El-Rufai this week. On February 25, the FCT High Court will hear his fundamental rights case against the Federal Government, the ICPC, the EFCC, and the DSS, in which he seeks bail. On the same date, he is also scheduled for arraignment on charges filed by the DSS.