A civil society coalition has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his public remarks concerning the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, saying the outspoken comments reflect inconsistency and political bias.
Kaduna Voices United (KVU), a local civil society organisation, on Thursday condemned what it described as selective outrage by Atiku following reports that El-Rufai suffered health issues while in custody. The group issued its response after Atiku warned that the Federal Government would be held responsible “if anything adverse happens” to the former governor during his detention.
Call for consistency and accountability
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Yariok Makama Goje, the coalition acknowledged that concerns about El-Rufai’s welfare and access to medical care are legitimate. However, it stressed that public debate must also consider the serious legal allegations El-Rufai faces and not just the personal circumstances of his custody.
The group pointed to the fact that Atiku and other national figures “were largely silent” on governance issues during El-Rufai’s time as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 — a period when allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and intimidation of critics were frequently raised.
According to the coalition, these unresolved concerns warrant impartial legal scrutiny rather than a rush to defend El-Rufai on selective grounds.
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Legal challenges and investigations
Several Nigerian anti-graft bodies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), are reported to be investigating the former governor. Allegations involve unlawful interception of communications, financial misconduct, and questions about the handling of public funds during his administration.
KVU urged the government to maintain due process and transparency in the handling of El-Rufai’s case, emphasising that accountability should not be influenced by political popularity or affiliation. “In a democracy, accountability is crucial. Public officials must be held to the highest standards of conduct to ensure they serve the interests of the people,” the group said in its statement.
The coalition reiterated that safeguarding the rule of law and consistency in public advocacy are essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
