Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has publicly criticized the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for what he described as a politically motivated attempt to arrest Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, at the airport. The incident, which occurred upon El-Rufai’s return to Nigeria, has further intensified the already growing political tensions surrounding the former governor.
Atiku, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed his support for El-Rufai, claiming that the ICPC’s actions were an example of partisan conduct. “I paid a solidarity visit to the former Governor of Kaduna State and stalwart of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, following the failed attempt by the ICPC to arrest him at the airport upon his arrival,” Atiku wrote.
The failed arrest attempt reportedly took place as El-Rufai returned to Nigeria from a trip abroad. According to his aides, security operatives attempted to detain him without presenting any arrest warrant, leading to a brief confrontation at the airport. Despite this, El-Rufai was eventually allowed to leave the terminal without being detained.
Atiku’s visit to El-Rufai, which was shared on social media through photos of a closed-door meeting between the two political figures, underscores the deepening political divide in the country. El-Rufai’s recent alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as well as his increasing vocal criticisms of the current federal administration, have led to concerns over potential harassment by state authorities.
While the ICPC has not yet issued an official response to the allegations, the unfolding drama highlights the strained relationship between opposition figures and government institutions. The incident has sparked debates over the impartiality of Nigerian anti-corruption agencies, with critics arguing that such actions undermine the credibility and neutrality of institutions that are meant to serve all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
As the situation continues to develop, the focus remains on the broader implications of El-Rufai’s political moves and the possible impact on his relationship with the government. Despite the lack of formal confirmation of the attempted arrest from security agencies, the controversy has already become a focal point of political discourse in Nigeria.