Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, has described former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai as a political prisoner of conscience. Shaibu made the statement during an interview on Arise Television's News Insight. El-Rufai was arrested and detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on February 18, 2026. He faced multiple charges, re-arrests, and remands by both the ICPC and the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding corruption, contract fraud, cybercrime, and phone-tapping allegations.
El-Rufai was initially investigated for fraud during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023. The ICPC and DSS have been probing him for various allegations. On May 18, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted El-Rufai a N100 million bail in a case filed by the DSS. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik presided over the case regarding allegations that El-Rufai breached the National Security Adviser (NSA) by publicly stating that he wiretapped NSA Nuhu Ribadu's phone.
Shaibu described the bail conditions given to El-Rufai as stringent, making it difficult for him to secure his release. According to Shaibu, El-Rufai deserves his freedom, and a man is presumed guilty until tried. Shaibu charged President Bola Tinubu to release El-Rufai if he poses no threat to his electoral quest in 2027. He argued that El-Rufai should be allowed to test his strength in the open and let Nigerians decide at the ballot who has the capacity to earn their mandate.
The call by Shaibu comes amid speculations about El-Rufai's potential involvement in the 2027 election. El-Rufai's detention has been a subject of controversy, with many questioning the government's motives. Shaibu's statement has added to the growing pressure on the government to release El-Rufai. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition parties have been critical of the government's handling of El-Rufai's case.
President Tinubu's administration has been under scrutiny for its handling of high-profile cases, particularly those involving opposition politicians. The case has sparked debates about the government's commitment to justice and fairness. Shaibu's comments have reignited the discussion on the need for the government to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that politicians are not unfairly targeted.
El-Rufai's ordeal began in February 2026 when he was arrested by the ICPC. Since then, he has faced multiple charges and re-arrests. The government's actions have been criticized by many, who see El-Rufai's detention as a way to silence a potential opponent. The opposition has been vocal in its criticism of the government's handling of the case.
The release of El-Rufai could have significant implications for the 2027 election. His detention has sparked controversy and debate, and his release could potentially shift the dynamics of the election. Key points:
Key points
- El-Rufai was arrested and detained by the ICPC on February 18, 2026.
- Shaibu described El-Rufai as a 'political prisoner of conscience'.
- El-Rufai was granted a N100 million bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja on May 18.
