The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has criticised the arrest and continued detention of Nasir El-Rufai, describing it as a “political persecution”.
Obi made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting with stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress in Kaduna.
The ADC chieftain said El-Rufai’s detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission raises serious concerns about democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.
“It is a political persecution. We have a law, and that law allows for people to be treated with dignity until they are found guilty. Let our law prevail,” Obi said.
“How do you tell somebody you’re inviting him, and he came back voluntarily in the country on his own, and you’re treating him like somebody who was running away? No. Let the law follow his cause. I’ve said it. I’ve written about it, and I continue to say so.”
El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna, has been in ICPC custody since February 18, following his transfer from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The Department of State Services has charged him with cybercrime, with a court hearing scheduled for April 23, 2026.
However, the former governor has filed lawsuits against both the DSS and ICPC, accusing the agencies of abuse of power and unlawful detention.
The ICPC said he remains in custody as investigations into allegations of money laundering and abuse of office continue.
His family has also criticised his prolonged detention and called for his release.
In a letter dated March 6, 2026, addressed to the ICPC chairman, his legal team, led by Ubong Esop Akpan, accused the anti-corruption agency of “abuse of court process”, unlawful detention, and misrepresentation before the courts.