Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate, has called the arrest and prolonged detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai “political persecution.”
Obi said this on Sunday at a meeting with members of the African Democratic Congress in Kaduna.
The former governor of Anambra State was worried over El-Rufai’s arrest by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He said that this makes people doubt the state of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.
“It is political persecution.” We have laws that protect people’s dignity until they are found guilty. Obi responded, “Let the law win.”
He asked why El-Rufai was handled the way he was, even though he was said to have returned to the country on his own.
Since February 18, El-Rufai has been in the custody of the ICPC. He was sent there from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Department of State Services (DSS) has also charged him with cybercrime. A court hearing is set for April 23, 2026.
The former governor has, however, sued both the DSS and ICPC, saying that they wrongfully held him, abused their position, and messed with the court system.
The ICPC says that El-Rufai needs to stay in jail while they look into claims of money laundering and misuse of office.
His family has also asked for his release. On March 6, 2026, his legal team, led by Ubong Esop Akpan, wrote a letter saying that the anti-corruption agency had lied and ignored due process.
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