Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly criticized the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for what he described as a “partisan” attempt to arrest former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai upon his arrival in Nigeria. The incident, which occurred at an airport, has further fueled political tensions in the country, with Atiku expressing his solidarity with El-Rufai.
In a post on X on Friday, Atiku condemned the actions of the ICPC, alleging that the anti-corruption body had acted in a biased manner against El-Rufai. The former vice president revealed that he visited El-Rufai after the incident, stating that it was a “failed attempt” by the ICPC to arrest the former governor.
“Last night, 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 partisan ICPC to arrest him at the airport upon his arrival in the country,” Atiku wrote on his social media account.
Accompanying his statement, Atiku shared photos from the visit, which showed him in a closed-door meeting with El-Rufai at a private residence, offering a gesture of support amidst the political drama.
The ICPC has yet to issue an official statement in response to the accusation as of the time of writing. However, the failure to comment has only added to the controversy surrounding the incident.
This development is part of a larger narrative of growing political tensions involving El-Rufai, who has become increasingly vocal in his criticisms of the Federal Government. In recent weeks, El-Rufai has also strengthened his ties with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that has stirred concern among political observers, especially considering the opposition party’s rising influence in Nigeria’s political landscape.
El-Rufai’s increasing criticisms of the Federal Government, combined with his alliance with the ADC, have led to speculations about potential moves by security agencies targeting him. These concerns were heightened by reports that security operatives attempted to stop El-Rufai at the airport on his return to the country. According to El-Rufai’s aides, the security operatives did not present any arrest warrant, leading to a confrontation before the former governor was allowed to leave the airport.
Neither the ICPC nor any other Nigerian security agency has officially confirmed the incident as of the latest reports. This lack of confirmation from the authorities has only contributed to the growing sense of unease and suspicion surrounding the entire affair.
