The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, have renewed calls for the release or due-process resolution of the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
El-Rufai has remained in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission since February 2026 amid investigations and separate criminal proceedings.
Obi, through his media aide, Idris Zekeri, said the former governor’s continued detention should be addressed through due process, stressing that any allegations against El-Rufai should be determined by the courts rather than through prolonged detention.
According to Zekeri, Obi had repeatedly spoken about the matter and maintained that no Nigerian should be subjected to extended detention without the allegations against them being properly dealt with.
“Peter Obi has been one of the most vocal since the issue of El-Rufai’s ordeal started,” Zekeri said, adding that the former Anambra State governor believed that if there was a case against El-Rufai, it should be established through the appropriate legal process.
The statement comes as El-Rufai continues to face legal proceedings arising from different allegations.
The Federal High Court in Abuja recently reserved October 26, 2026, to rule on El-Rufai’s no-case submission in a case concerning alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The former governor has denied wrongdoing in the proceedings, while the prosecution has presented allegations under relevant cybercrime and communications laws.
El-Rufai is also challenging his continued detention through a separate fundamental-rights case. The Federal High Court has fixed October 27 for further proceedings in his N1bn suit against the ICPC, the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The ICPC, however, has maintained that El-Rufai’s detention is authorised by court orders.
In a statement issued earlier in the year, the anti-corruption agency said a court had initially authorised his detention for 14 days to enable investigators to examine allegations including money laundering and abuse of office. The commission subsequently obtained a further 14-day extension and said it was operating within the court-approved framework.
Meanwhile, Momodu criticised El-Rufai’s continued detention during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday.
Momodu, who is also a member of the ADC and part of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 campaign structure, described El-Rufai as a “prisoner of conscience” and argued that his detention should be viewed in the context of his previous political role and contributions.
His comments came shortly after Atiku’s campaign council named El-Rufai as its deputy chairman despite his continued detention. The council said El-Rufai would contribute his experience in public administration, political organisation and executive governance, including high-level political coordination and stakeholder engagement.
Momodu also argued that El-Rufai remained an influential political figure in Northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-West, and said his inclusion in the campaign council was a way of recognising what he described as his political sacrifice.
The renewed debate over El-Rufai’s detention comes against the backdrop of increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi has separately called for issue-based political campaigns, urging the media to focus public debate on governance, security, unity and prosperity rather than character attacks and name-calling.
While Obi and Momodu have criticised the continued detention from different political positions, the legal status of the former governor remains subject to ongoing court proceedings. The ICPC maintains that his detention has been court-authorised, while El-Rufai continues to challenge aspects of the proceedings and his continued custody.
The next significant developments are expected from the Federal High Court rulings and hearings scheduled for October, which could further clarify the legal issues surrounding his detention and the cases against him.
