BREAKING: Atiku demands immediate release of political detainees, slams Govt for ideological persecution

Politics

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 23, 2026 — Former Nigeria’s Vice President, chieftain of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), and presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has declared that no one should be detained simply because they do not share the same ideology or political platform with the government of the day.

Atiku made the statement on Monday after visiting former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, who was recently released from detention over corruption charges.

Atiku, who had just returned from the Umrah (lesser Hajj), said he led a delegation on a solidarity visit to Malami. Speaking further, he referenced Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, another ADC leader currently in detention, and demanded his release along with all other political detainees.Atiku’s full statement reads:
“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.” – AA