A civil society group, Kaduna Voices United, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent comments on the arrest and detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Yariok Makama Goje, the coalition accused Atiku of double standards, arguing that while concerns about El-Rufai’s health may be valid, they should not overshadow the serious legal issues confronting the former governor.
Atiku had reportedly described as “deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democracy” reports that El-Rufai suffered a nosebleed in detention, calling on the Federal Government to clarify which agency was holding him and warning that authorities should be held accountable if anything happens to him.
Reacting, the coalition questioned why similar demands for accountability were not made during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023, a period it said was marked by allegations of financial mismanagement and intimidation of critics.
“The silence from prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar during those difficult years raises concerns about consistency and sincerity,” the group said.
Kaduna Voices United noted that El-Rufai is facing charges from the Department of State Services (DSS), including allegations of illegal wiretapping, failure to report intercepted communications, and endangering national security. It added that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are also probing allegations of corruption and financial misconduct during his time in office.
According to the group, the EFCC is investigating claims involving N432 billion and alleged money laundering linked to projects such as the Kaduna light rail, while the ICPC is examining alleged abuse of office and procurement violations.
The coalition maintained that such allegations require thorough legal scrutiny rather than political intervention.
“Public officials must be held accountable for their actions, especially where national security or public funds are involved,” the statement read. “Attempting to clear El-Rufai in the face of serious criminal allegations undermines the principles of fairness and responsibility essential in a democracy.”
While acknowledging the importance of transparency in detention matters, the group insisted that calls for accountability should be consistent and apply to all individuals facing investigation, regardless of political affiliation.
The coalition concluded that the rule of law must prevail and that due process should be allowed to run its course without political pressure or selective outrage.
