Coalition tackles Atiku over ‘hypocritical’ defence of El-Rufai, insists ex-Gov. must face justice

A civil society group, Kaduna Voices United (KVU), has taken issue with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent comments on the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of displaying double standards when it comes to accountability and good governance.

In a statement issued by its Chairman, Yariok Makama Goje, the coalition acknowledged that concerns over El-Rufai’s health are valid, but insisted that such sympathy must not overshadow the serious legal allegations against him.

KVU was responding to remarks by Atiku, who had cautioned that the Federal Government would be held liable should any harm befall El-Rufai, following reports that the former governor experienced a nosebleed while in custody. Atiku described the incident as “deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy” and demanded transparency regarding the agency detaining him.

The coalition, however, questioned why similar calls for accountability were absent during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023, a period marked by allegations of financial misappropriation and suppression of dissent.

“The silence from prominent figures, including Atiku Abubakar, during those tumultuous times raises profound concerns about the integrity of their current positions,” Goje said.

He stressed that the legal troubles facing El-Rufai—including criminal charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) and parallel investigations by the EFCC and ICPC—are too serious to be dismissed through political advocacy.

The DSS has filed three charges against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja over comments he made during a February 2026 Arise TV interview, in which he claimed to have intercepted phone calls belonging to the National Security Adviser. The charges include unlawful wiretapping and compromising national security.

In addition, the EFCC is investigating allegations of the diversion of ₦432 billion and money laundering linked to major projects such as the Kaduna light rail, while the ICPC is looking into accusations of abuse of office and procurement fraud.

KVU argued that such grave allegations demand thorough investigation, not premature vindication.

“It is not only absurd but also dangerous to consider vindicating El-Rufai from these significant legal challenges. These allegations range from cybercrime to corruption, and they warrant thorough scrutiny, not dismissal,” the coalition stated.

The group condemned what it described as selective outrage, noting that political connections should not shield public officials from facing justice. It warned that prioritising the welfare of powerful individuals over accountability sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the rule of law.

“The notion that one’s health should be prioritised over accountability for public officials who exploited their positions for personal gain is a dangerous precedent. It suggests that political connections can shield individuals from the repercussions of their actions,” the statement added.

While urging the Federal Government to ensure due process and clarity in handling the case, Kaduna Voices United called on political leaders to defend democratic values consistently, rather than advancing partisan interests.

“The Nigerian populace deserves a consistent and unwavering commitment to transparency, irrespective of political affiliations or past loyalties. The health of any individual should be a concern for all, but it must not eclipse the need for accountability and justice.”

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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